Seed Furrow Liquid Applicator With Real-Time Flow and Seed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop input applicators lack efficient control over liquid flow rates and precise application of crop inputs, such as fertilizers and water, during planting, leading to inconsistent soil treatment and potential waste.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural row unit with an electro-magnetically controlled valve system that allows for variable liquid flow rates and precise application of crop inputs, integrated with an ultrasonic flow meter and seed sensor for real-time control and measurement, ensuring accurate placement and distribution of inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional applicators are used without electronic control, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and control over liquid flow rates are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an electronically powered valve system that uses electrical signals to control liquid flow. The valve includes an electronically controllable actuator that opens or closes the flow path based on electronic commands, enabling precise flow rate control without complex mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable liquid flow rates by changing the operational parameters of the valve system. The electronically powered valve can adjust its opening degree, flow area, and timing to deliver different flow rates, transforming a fixed-flow system into a variable-flow system through parameter modification.
2Measurement precision
If precise application control is implemented, then the application accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a seed sensor that detects seed position and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust liquid application timing and quantity based on actual seed placement, improving measurement precision through continuous monitoring and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system serves multiple functions: it controls the valve timing, adjusts flow rates, and coordinates with seed detection. By integrating these functions into a single control unit, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement and application precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable flow rates are implemented, then the adaptability to different planting conditions improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional valve mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic valve system that can adjust its characteristics in real-time during operation. The electronically powered valve changes its flow properties dynamically based on control signals, allowing the system to adapt to different planting conditions without requiring multiple fixed-flow valves or complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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 crop inputs, optimizing soil treatment by allowing for variable flow rates and real-time adjustments based on seed position and flow measurements, reducing waste and improving crop yield.
Implementation Method 1
The valve may include an inlet, an outlet, and a plunger disposed within a plunger chamber... The plunger may include a magnet, and the valve may further include an electrical coil wrapped around an exterior of the plunger chamber to electrically interact with the magnet to move the plunger within the plunger chamber
Implementation Method 2
An ultrasonic flow meter and seed sensor are integrated for real-time control and measurement
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an agricultural row unit is provided an includes a frame, an opener disc rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to open a seed trench, and an applicator assembly coupled to the frame and configured to apply a liquid. The applicator assembly including a housing and a valve coupled to the housing and configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid source. The valve is electronically powered to move to an open condition, in which fluid is configured to pass through and emit from the valve, and electronically powered to move to a closed condition, in which fluid is inhibited from passing through and emitting from the valve. The agricultural row unit also includes a closing wheel coupled to the frame and configured to close the seed trench.