Automated Agricultural Sprayer Refill Control System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural sprayers require manual calculation and filling, leading to inefficiencies, waste, and suboptimal timing for refilling, especially with larger machines covering wider areas.
Innovation Solution
An automated loading system that determines the necessary product amount for a field operation, communicates with a tendering system to refill at the optimal time and location, and uses sensors and valves to manage the filling process, allowing for precise and efficient refilling without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual calculation and filling is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity decreases and waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated product quantity calculation and tendering operations. The control system automatically determines the product quantity based on remaining area and application rate, then autonomously controls the tender to transfer the exact required amount, eliminating manual intervention while improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring product consumption, calculating remaining area, and using this information to determine precise refill quantities. The control system receives feedback on product levels and field progress, then adjusts tendering operations accordingly to optimize productivity and reduce waste
2Loss of time
If filling is done when the sprayer is empty, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of time increases due to suboptimal timing
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by calculating the optimal refill timing based on remaining field area and current product levels. It determines the precise moment when refilling should occur to minimize operational disruption, rather than waiting for the tank to be empty or relying on manual scheduling
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual timing judgment with automated electronic control. The control system uses sensors, GPS data, and application rate information to electronically determine optimal refill timing, substituting human decision-making with automated algorithms that optimize time loss
3Productivity
If larger sprayers with wider booms are used, then productivity increases, but quantity of substance required increases leading to more waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by calculating and transferring product in precise local quantities matched to the specific remaining field area. Rather than filling based on tank capacity or estimates, it determines the exact amount needed for the remaining work area, ensuring optimal product distribution across the wide boom coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the product quantity parameter based on real-time field conditions. It adjusts the refill amount according to remaining area, current product consumption rate, and forecasted weather conditions, transforming static filling operations into dynamic, adaptive parameter control that reduces waste while maintaining high productivity
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent, automated system for loading agricultural product application equipment is provided in which a control system can determine a necessary amount of product for completing a field operation and can automatically couple with a tendering system to receive such product at an optimal time and location. The control system can determine a current amount of product, a projected amount of product necessary to complete a field operation and a refill amount of product from the current amount and the projected amount, then transmit the refill amount to the tender. The control system can further determine whether a position of the equipment relative to the tender is within a threshold, and whether an intake coupler of the equipment is connected to a supply coupler of the tender, and can control valve(s) to open and close channel(s) for loading fluid into the storage tank.