Removable Tank Identification for Precision Sprayer Refilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional agricultural sprayers using a metered application method require time-consuming and labor-intensive refilling processes, and lack efficient correlation of active ingredient tank data for precise and cost-effective application.

Innovation Solution

An agricultural sprayer with removably positioned active ingredient tanks equipped with identification tags and an RFID reader, coupled with a controller that matches tank data with precision farming data to automate the application process, reducing downtime and improving data correlation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional metered application method with permanently mounted tanks is used, then application precision is improved, but refilling time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication rate precisionVSAvoidrefilling time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tank system is divided into removable individual tanks that can be independently attached and detached from the sprayer chassis, allowing quick replacement without requiring permanent mounting structures or complex refilling procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables operators to quickly exchange tanks without requiring specialized equipment or complex procedures - the removable design allows self-service refilling by simply detaching empty tanks and attaching full ones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If manually positioning and connecting fill lines is used, then tank refilling is achieved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetank refilling capabilityVSAvoidrefilling procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex manual connection process is extracted and replaced by a simple removable tank design where the entire tank assembly is detached and replaced as a single unit, eliminating the need for manual fill line connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Tanks are pre-filled and sealed before being mounted on the sprayer, so the refilling action is completed in advance during tank preparation rather than during field operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Quantity of substance

If tank data is manually recorded, then active ingredient information is captured, but data accuracy and correlation with precision farming data decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive ingredient data captureVSAvoiddata correlation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Manual data recording is replaced by automated electronic identification systems (such as RFID tags or barcode readers) that automatically capture tank contents information and transmit it to the sprayer's control system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically reads tank identification data and feeds this information back to the control system, which then correlates it with precision farming data to automatically adjust application rates without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution streamlines the refilling process and enhances the accuracy and efficiency of active ingredient application by automatically reading tank data and matching it with precision farming information, allowing for precise control over application rates across varying field conditions.

Implementation Method 1

Each active ingredient tank has an identification (ID) tag representing data associated with the active ingredient. An electrical reader carried by the chassis is configured for reading the ID tag

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRFID (Radio Frequency Identification): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10194581B2Method of applying an active ingredient to a geographic area using an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

An agricultural implement for applying an active ingredient to a geographic area includes a chassis, and at least one active ingredient tank. Each active ingredient tank is removably positioned on and carried by the chassis. Each active ingredient tank contains an active ingredient therein which is to be applied to the geographic area. Each active ingredient tank has an identification (ID) tag representing data associated with the active ingredient. An electrical reader carried by the chassis is configured for reading the ID tag and providing an output signal. An electrical processing circuit is coupled with the reader and receives the output signal.