Offset Crop Input Guidance via Sensor-Based Nozzle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop input application methods are not precise, leading to inefficiencies where inputs do not reach plant roots effectively, resulting in runoff or misplacement, and can contribute to weed pressure.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle guidance system with pivoting arms and sensors that estimate center points between crop rows, allowing for lateral offset application of crop inputs to target the plant foliage or root zone, using a nozzle positioned based on sensor feedback to direct the spray pattern accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If crop inputs are applied using conventional methods, then application is simple, but precision of delivery to plant roots is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical guidance systems with sensor-based detection. Sensors mounted on the vehicle detect plant row positions and provide signals to a controller, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's path and nozzle positioning, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic sensing and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the vehicle and the plant rows. These sensors detect row positions and transmit information to the control system, serving as a mediator that enables precise positioning without direct mechanical contact or complex manual guidance mechanisms.
2Productivity
If crop inputs are applied down the center line between rows, then vehicle guidance is simplified, but a significant portion of crop inputs does not reach plant roots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning crop inputs at different lateral locations rather than uniformly down the center line. The system adjusts the nozzle position laterally to deliver inputs specifically to the root zones of plants in each row, making the application location variable and locally optimized for each plant position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through sensors that continuously detect plant row positions and provide signals to the control system. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the vehicle's lateral position and nozzle positioning, ensuring crop inputs are delivered precisely to root zones based on real-time plant location information.
3Reliability
If crop inputs are applied too far from plant roots, then application equipment can operate simpler, but inputs remain ineffective and contribute to weed pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning systems with sensor-based detection and electronic control. Sensors mounted on the vehicle detect plant row positions and provide signals to a controller, which automatically adjusts the nozzle position, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic sensing and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices between the vehicle and the plant rows. These sensors detect row positions and transmit information to the control system, serving as a mediator that enables precise positioning without direct mechanical contact or complex manual guidance mechanisms.
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A data processor can estimate a series of center points between the first row and the-second row based on targeting substantial symmetry in the first sensor signal response and the second sensor signal response. A nozzle is associated with the sprayer implement. The nozzle has a nozzle position with respect to a corresponding center point between the rows of plants. An offset module is adapted to shift laterally the nozzle position from or with respect to each center point to a corresponding offset lateral position such that a spray pattern of the nozzle is directed toward target strip of soil or ground around or containing a plant stem, or root zone, of the plants in the row.