Spray Nozzle Biomass Detection for Species-Specific Weed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for dispensing liquid media using spray nozzle units in agriculture are inefficient in targeting the biomass area and do not account for the specific propagation mechanisms of weeds, leading to unnecessary chemical use and environmental pollution.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that utilize an evaluation device with an algorithm to recognize the biological species of biomass and adapt the target area for dispensing based on propagation mechanisms, considering weather conditions, to optimize the use of liquid media and minimize environmental impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the target area is limited to the spatial extent of detected biomass, then the quantity of liquid medium used is reduced, but the effectiveness of preventing weed propagation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of liquid mediumVSAvoideffectiveness of weed propagation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment approach based on weed species characteristics. For seed-propagating weeds, the target area is expanded beyond detected biomass to prevent seed dispersal. For root-propagating weeds, the treatment is concentrated on the biomass itself to eliminate the root system. This localized adaptation of treatment area to specific weed propagation mechanisms resolves the contradiction between reducing chemical usage and ensuring effective propagation prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the target area is expanded beyond the spatial extent of biomass to account for propagation mechanisms, then the effectiveness of preventing weed propagation is improved, but the quantity of liquid medium used increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of weed propagation preventionVSAvoidquantity of liquid medium
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the target area configuration adaptable and variable based on real-time detection of weed species and their propagation mechanisms. The system dynamically adjusts the target area boundaries and treatment parameters according to the specific biological characteristics of detected weeds, rather than using a fixed treatment approach. This dynamic adaptation ensures optimal chemical usage for each specific weed type while maintaining effective propagation prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a uniform treatment area is applied to all detected biomass, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of medium application for different weed species deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomplexity of target area determinationVSAvoidprecision of medium application
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the treatment process into distinct stages: detection of biomass, identification of weed species, determination of propagation mechanism, and calculation of species-specific target area. This segmented approach allows the system to handle different weed types with appropriate precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular processing steps. Each segment focuses on a specific aspect, making the overall complex task of species-specific treatment achievable through systematic breakdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12408652B2Method and device for dispensing at least one liquid medium with the aid of a spray nozzle unit, and computer program product
Publication Date: 2025.09.09 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • US12408652B2 patent drawing
  • US12408652B2 patent drawing
  • US12408652B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for dispensing at least one liquid medium with the aid of a spray nozzle unit, in particular for agricultural purposes. The spray nozzle unit includes at least one spray nozzle via which the medium is dispensed, and at least one sensor device via which a biomass, in particular weeds, is/are recognized. With knowledge of the location of the biomass, the at least one spray nozzle is activated in order to dispense the medium onto the biomass.