Pulsed Liquid Dispensing for High-Speed Seed Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural product dispensing systems are inadequate for high-speed planting, as they fail to deliver ultra-low and low-rate liquid and dry products effectively in close proximity to seeds, leading to inefficiencies and reduced efficacy, especially when operating at speeds greater than 5 MPH, and often result in product interference and misplacement due to wind and field conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a seed sensing device, a syringe-based pump system, and a pulsing mechanism that synchronizes the delivery of low and ultra-low rate agricultural products with seed placement, using precision placement equipment and multiple product input assemblies to ensure accurate and simultaneous application of dry and liquid products at desired locations, reducing the volume of product applied and minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional liquid application systems are used at high planting speeds, then planting productivity is maintained, but liquid product placement precision deteriorates and application rate control becomes inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a pulsed liquid delivery mechanism that synchronizes liquid application with seed placement cycles. The liquid is delivered in periodic pulses rather than continuously, with each pulse timed to coincide with seed placement events detected by the sensing device. This periodic action maintains placement precision even at high planting speeds exceeding 5 MPH.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a seed placement sensing device that provides real-time feedback on seed placement events. This feedback signal triggers the pulsed liquid delivery mechanism, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures liquid is applied only when and where seeds are placed, maintaining precision regardless of planting speed variations.
2Reliability
If continuous liquid application is used to ensure adequate product coverage, then application reliability is improved, but product volume consumption increases and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The pulsed delivery system applies liquid in discrete amounts synchronized with individual seed placement events rather than continuous application. This reduces total liquid volume required while maintaining reliable product placement at each seed location, decreasing product waste and environmental impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The system delivers liquid locally at specific seed placement locations rather than applying it broadly across the entire planting area. This localized application ensures adequate product coverage at each seed while minimizing overall product consumption and reducing environmental exposure in untreated areas.
3Productivity
If multiple agricultural products are applied simultaneously, then application efficiency is improved, but product interference and placement accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the delivery of different agricultural products into distinct pulsed streams, each independently controlled and synchronized with seed placement. This segmentation allows multiple products to be applied simultaneously without interference, as each product maintains its own controlled delivery pathway and timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses separate product tubes and delivery mechanisms for different agricultural products, with each tube acting as an intermediary pathway that prevents product mixing and interference. This allows simultaneous application of multiple products while maintaining individual placement accuracy for each product type.
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
The system enables precise and efficient application of low and ultra-low rate agricultural products at high speeds, reducing the volume of product applied by up to 90% compared to existing systems, improving efficacy and reducing environmental impact through precise placement and minimized product waste.
Implementation Method 1
pulsed delivery of the liquid to synchronize delivery of the liquid with the seed
Data Source
AI summary
A system for dispensing multiple low rate agricultural products, includes an agricultural product metering system, a number of agricultural product tubes, and an agricultural product metering system. The agricultural product metering system is operably connected to sources of low rate agricultural products. The agricultural product tubes are operatively connected to the agricultural product metering system. The agricultural product metering system is configured to dispense liquid low rate agricultural products at a low rate defined as below 3.7 fluid ounces per 1000 row feet.