Planter Row Unit Crop Input Placement Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crop input applicators on planter row units face challenges in accurately and efficiently applying liquid or non-liquid crop inputs, such as fertilizers, near seeds in the trench, as they lack precise control and real-time monitoring capabilities to optimize placement and distribution.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring and control system integrated with the planter row unit, utilizing sensors and valves to direct and modify the application of crop inputs, which includes a controller with computer processors for precise placement and adjustment of input bands relative to seed positions, using GPS and graphical user interfaces for real-time monitoring and data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional crop input applicators are used without integrated monitoring and control systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and placement accuracy of crop inputs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the crop input applicator system with integrated monitoring and control components including sensors, GPS receivers, and controllers into a unified system. The controller receives data from sensors detecting crop input presence and GPS location data, then automatically adjusts applicator operation to achieve precise placement accuracy while maintaining manageable system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that detect the presence and location of crop inputs in real-time, feeding this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback data along with GPS location to automatically adjust the applicator's operation, creating a closed-loop control system that achieves high placement accuracy without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Productivity
If real-time monitoring and control systems are integrated into the planter row unit, then the productivity and efficiency of crop input application are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions within the system: it processes sensor data detecting crop input presence, receives and processes GPS location data, calculates optimal placement positions, and controls the applicator operation. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into a single integrated control unit, improving productivity while managing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs monitoring, data processing, and adjustment operations without requiring continuous human intervention. The sensors self-monitor crop input application, the GPS receiver automatically tracks location, and the controller autonomously calculates and implements placement adjustments, enabling high productivity through automated self-service operations.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and controllers are used to detect and adjust crop input placement, then the measurement precision and placement accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring function is segmented into specialized sensors that detect specific parameters such as crop input presence and GPS location. Each sensor type is optimized for its specific detection task, providing high measurement precision for individual parameters while keeping each sensor component relatively simple and manageable in terms of complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A crop input applicator is provided. The crop input applicator monitors the presence of applied liquid crop in a seed trench and/or the relative placement of liquid crop and seed in a seed trench. In another aspect, the crop input applicator minimizes an offset between the liquid crop and seed placement.