Piezo-Actuated Weed Control Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Weed control in agriculture, especially in organic farming, is labor-intensive and often relies on chemical use, as existing methods lack efficiency and precision.
Innovation Solution
A device with a liquid dispensing unit actuated by a piezoelectric, electroactive polymer, or magnetoresistive actuator, capable of precise control, combined with a high-pressure system for pulsed liquid delivery, allowing for efficient and environmentally friendly weed damage with minimal liquid and energy consumption, and equipped with a detection and control unit for autonomous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional weed control methods are used, then weed damage can be achieved, but the process is labor-intensive and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical weed control methods with a high-pressure liquid jet system actuated by piezoelectric or magnetoresistive actuators. This substitution enables precise, rapid liquid delivery to weeds with minimal mechanical contact, significantly improving weed control efficiency while reducing overall system mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a high-pressure hydraulic system to deliver liquid to weeds through a liquid dispensing unit. The pressurized liquid is delivered in controlled pulses, enabling precise weed targeting and damage without requiring complex mechanical structures for weed contact and removal
2Productivity
If chemical agents are used for weed control, then weed damage is effective, but environmental friendliness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high-pressure liquid impact into a beneficial mechanical destruction mechanism. The high-pressure liquid jet physically damages weeds through kinetic energy and mechanical force, eliminating the need for chemical herbicides while maintaining effective weed control and reducing environmental harm
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of liquid delivery, using extremely high pressure (typically 500-4000 bar) and rapid pulsing to create mechanical destruction effects. This parameter change transforms liquid from a merely transport medium into an active weed-damaging agent, replacing chemicals with physical force
3Area of stationary object
If continuous liquid delivery is used, then weed coverage is achieved, but liquid consumption and energy requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic, pulsed liquid delivery instead of continuous flow. The actuator opens and closes rapidly to deliver liquid in precise pulses only when weeds are detected and positioned in the treatment zone. This periodic action maintains effective weed treatment area coverage while dramatically reducing liquid consumption by eliminating continuous flow
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses excessive liquid pressure applied partially in time and space. Instead of low-pressure continuous delivery, the system applies extremely high pressure in brief, targeted pulses only when and where weeds are present. This partial application at excessive pressure achieves effective weed damage with minimal total liquid usage
4Strength
If high-pressure liquid delivery is used, then mechanical weed damage is achieved, but soil movement and regrowth probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic liquid jet system to deliver high-pressure liquid in a focused stream that damages weeds through kinetic energy and mechanical force. The liquid penetrates and disrupts weed structures without significant lateral force, minimizing soil movement and disturbance while maintaining effective weed damage
Solution Approach 2:
The invention concentrates the liquid jet energy in a highly localized zone directly at the weed target. The actuator and nozzle system focuses the high-pressure liquid into a tight beam that impacts only the intended weed. This localized energy concentration achieves strong mechanical weed damage while leaving surrounding soil undisturbed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables fast, precise, and environmentally friendly weed control with reduced soil disturbance, minimizing regrowth and eliminating the need for chemicals, while allowing for targeted application and high-speed area-wide treatment.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid dispensing unit according to the invention has a valve with a piezoelectric actuator
Implementation Method 2
the liquid dispensing unit according to the invention has a valve with a piezoelectric actuator or an electroactive polymer actuator
Implementation Method 3
the liquid dispensing unit according to the invention has a valve with a piezoelectric actuator or an electroactive polymer actuator or a magnetoresistive actuator
Implementation Method 4
the pressure delivery unit is designed to forward the liquid to the liquid delivery unit under such high pressure that the weeds can be damaged due to the kinetic energy of the liquid delivered in pulse form
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a device for damaging weeds (34), comprising a pressurized delivery unit (12) designed to conduct a liquid (20) under pressure, and a liquid dispensing unit (14) which is fluidically connected to the pressurized delivery unit (12) and is designed to feed the pressurized liquid (20) to the weeds (34) in order to damage same; the liquid dispensing unit (14) includes at least one valve (26) that has a piezo actuator, an electroactive-polymer actuator or a magnetoresistive actuator.