Subsurface Plant Injection Device for Precise Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for administering substances to plant material, such as crop protection agents and fertilizers, face inefficiencies due to low accuracy and significant loss, with substances often ending up in unintended locations, and existing techniques like spraying or dripping result in contamination and uneven dosing.
Innovation Solution
Injecting substances directly under the surface of the soil at precise plant locations, using a device with injectors and release elements, ensures maximum effectiveness and accurate dosing, preventing surface contamination and drift, and allowing for application at any stage of plant growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If spraying or dripping is used to administer substances to plants, then the application area is large and coverage is extensive, but the substance loss increases and dosing accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by transitioning from area-wide spraying to localized injection at specific plant locations. The injection device delivers substances directly to targeted spots in the substrate where plants are positioned, ensuring that each plant receives the exact amount needed without affecting surrounding areas. This localized approach eliminates the substance loss associated with broad spraying while maintaining precise dosing control.
2Ease of operation
If spraying is used to administer substances, then the application is simple and quick, but the dosing accuracy is insufficient and substances may reach unintended locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the injection device with controlled delivery system - that bridges the gap between simple application and precise dosing. The device includes components such as injection needles, dosage control mechanisms, and positioning systems that work together to achieve accurate substance delivery. This intermediary system maintains operational simplicity while dramatically improving dosing precision and preventing substance drift to unintended locations.
3Ease of manufacture
If substances are deposited on the substrate surface, then the application process is straightforward, but drift of substances can occur and vapour formation reduces the actual quantity reaching the plant location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from surface-level (2D) deposition to subsurface (3D) injection. Instead of placing substances on the substrate surface where they are vulnerable to drift and evaporation, the injection device delivers substances into the substrate at the root zone level. This dimensional shift places the substance delivery below the surface environment, eliminating exposure to air currents and reducing vapour formation effects, thereby significantly improving delivery reliability.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for administering at least one substance acting as treatment agent to plant material, comprising of: providing at least one substrate with a surface and at least one plant location therein, providing injecting means; moving the substrate and the injection means relative to each other; controlling an alignment of the injecting means relative to the plant location; and injecting the substance at the position of the plant location using the injecting means.