Seed-Location Material Placement Using Timed Valve Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural systems apply materials to fields in a continuous manner, leading to inefficiencies and waste, particularly when materials are applied at locations other than seed or plant positions, which can result in lower productivity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system that identifies seed locations and controllably dispenses materials based on these positions, using sensors to determine the optimal timing for applying materials, such as fertilizers or pesticides, by actuating valves or actuators relative to seed locations, and generating control signals for precise application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If material is applied in a continuous manner, then the application process is simple and continuous, but material waste increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous material application into discrete per-plant applications. Sensors detect individual plant locations, and the system controls material delivery to apply material only at specific plant positions rather than continuously along the entire path, thereby reducing material waste while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by applying material at regular intervals corresponding to plant spacing rather than continuous application. The material delivery is activated periodically as plants pass by the application point, achieving both material efficiency and maintained application rate
2Loss of substance
If material is applied continuously, then the application process is straightforward, but material is applied at unnecessary locations increasing waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical continuous application systems with sensor-based detection and electronic control systems. Optical or other sensors detect plant positions, and electronic controllers manage the timing and dosage of material delivery, substituting mechanical simplicity with electronic precision to reduce material waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces intermediary components including sensors that detect plant locations and controllers that mediate between detection and material delivery. These intermediaries enable precise control of material application timing and location, reducing waste while managing system complexity through modular architecture
3Productivity
If material is applied continuously, then coverage is uniform, but productivity and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-service through automatic sensor detection and electronic control that eliminates the need for manual positioning or continuous adjustment. The sensors automatically detect plant locations and the controller automatically timing material delivery, achieving both high productivity and precise material placement without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor plant positions and provide real-time data to controllers, which adjust material delivery timing accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise material placement at each plant location while maintaining high application speed through automated adjustment
Data Source
AI summary
Furrows can be opened in a field. Seeds can be delivered to the furrows in the field at different locations in the field. The locations of the seeds in the field can be identified using different types of processing. The different types of process can include event-based processing or frequency-based processing. A material is applied to the field, based upon the seed locations.