Modular Container System for Autonomous Agricultural Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for agricultural field operations face challenges in efficiently managing and automating the logistics of crop production inputs, including seed, fertilizer, and fuel, particularly in transitioning from manned to fully autonomous operations, and in ensuring accurate and timely delivery of inputs to individual fields.
Innovation Solution
A modular container system that includes solid and liquid holding portions, designed for transfer between tender trucks, satellite transfer vehicles, and small equipment platforms, with automated processes for attaching and refilling, and sensors for monitoring and controlling refill quantities and frequencies, enabling continuous and semi-continuous field operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for delivering inputs to fields, then flexibility in handling different inputs is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the input delivery process into discrete modular containers that can be independently handled, transferred, and refilled. Each container is a self-contained unit that can be processed separately by automated systems, enabling parallel operations and reducing overall time consumption while maintaining flexibility through modular interchangeability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular container system enables self-service through automated identification, tracking, and refilling processes. Sensors detect container levels and trigger automated refilling operations without human intervention. The system autonomously manages the entire input delivery workflow from field identification to container refilling and replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional non-modular systems are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different field operations and inputs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular container system creates universal interfaces and standardized connection mechanisms that work across different field operations and input types. The same basic container design can hold various inputs (seeds, fertilizers, chemicals) and be used with different small equipment platforms, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized systems for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs nested modular containers where smaller containers can be placed within larger ones, or multiple containers can be stacked and transported together. This nesting capability allows efficient space utilization during transport and storage while maintaining the ability to deploy individual containers as needed for specific field operations.
3Productivity
If frequent refilling is performed to maintain continuous operations, then input availability is ensured, but operational interruptions and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-filling and pre-positioning modular containers before they are needed in the field. Containers are prepared in advance with appropriate inputs and tracked to their destination fields. This preliminary preparation eliminates on-site refilling interruptions, as containers arrive ready-to-use and can be quickly swapped into the small equipment platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular container system enables continuous useful action through automated monitoring and seamless container replacement. Sensors continuously track input levels and trigger replacement operations before depletion occurs. The automated transfer system ensures uninterrupted supply by maintaining a pipeline of ready containers, eliminating operational interruptions and ensuring continuous field work.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments may include a multi-product management system including a modular container for re-supplying partially or fully automated agricultural operations. The modular container may include a liquid-holding portion, a granular solid-holding portion, and, optionally, an add-on portion. In some embodiments, the liquid-holding portion may be formed of a plurality of liquid-holding portions. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.