Field Sprayer Wetting Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural field sprayers lack the ability to accurately determine the actual wetting of plants during application, leading to inefficiencies in resource use and potential drift issues, as they rely on assumptions rather than concrete measurements for adjusting application parameters.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating monitoring means downstream of the spray nozzles to evaluate the actual wetting of plants, with data transmitted to a computer system that adjusts application parameters in real-time to ensure targeted application based on setpoint values, using sensors like infrared cameras to detect droplet distribution and adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If application parameters are adjusted based on assumptions about plant wetting, then the spraying process can be simplified, but the precision and effectiveness of plant protection agent application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the actual wetting of plants by crop protection agents and transmit this information to a control unit. The control unit then adjusts application parameters based on this real-time feedback, closing the control loop. This resolves the contradiction by providing precise measurement of plant wetting while maintaining automated adjustment of spraying parameters, eliminating the need for operator assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment and operator judgment with automated optical sensors and image processing systems. These sensors capture images of the crop stand and automatically analyze wetting patterns, substituting the mechanical/manual process of parameter adjustment with an automated optical-mechanical system that provides precise, objective measurements.
2Measurement precision
If monitoring means are added to detect actual plant wetting, then application precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the sensor system and control unit to serve multiple functions: detecting plant wetting, analyzing crop stand characteristics, and adjusting application parameters. By making these components multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit automatically processes sensor data and adjusts application parameters without requiring external intervention or complex operator decisions. The system serves itself by autonomously interpreting wetting measurements and making real-time adjustments to spraying parameters, reducing the need for complex human-machine interfaces and operational procedures.
3Productivity
If application parameters are frequently adjusted during spraying, then resource efficiency and targeted application improve, but control system complexity and response time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring of plant wetting during the spraying operation. The sensors constantly detect wetting levels and transmit this information to the control unit, which automatically adjusts application parameters in real-time. This feedback loop enables frequent parameter adjustments without requiring complex pre-programming or manual intervention, as the system self-regulates based on actual field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous monitoring and adjustment of application parameters throughout the spraying operation, rather than using discrete or periodic adjustments. This continuous action ensures optimal resource efficiency and targeted application at all times, while the automated nature of the control system handles the complexity of continuous regulation without requiring proportionally complex system architecture.
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
Enables precise and efficient application of plant protection agents and fertilizers by continuously adjusting application parameters to achieve desired wetting levels, optimizing resource use and minimizing drift, with immediate control and regulation of the spraying process.
Implementation Method 1
at least one monitoring means downstream of the spray boom is provided, by means of which the actually achieved wetting of the plant stand with plant protection product is determined
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for the controlled application of liquid plant protection product and/or fertilizer using an agricultural spreading machine, in particular a field sprayer (10). In this method, plant protection product and/or fertilizer liquid is distributed over a crop (22) via a spray boom (16) attached to the spreading machine or field sprayer (10) during a field operation of the spreading machine or field sprayer (10) by means of at least one spray nozzle (20). The method comprises several steps, including, among others...The input or reading of target values into a computer system (32), in particular for specifying a defined wetting of the crop stand (22), a variation of application parameters for the plant protection and/or fertilizer liquid taking into account at least the input target values, the permanent, cyclic and/or intermittent recording of the degree of wetting of the plants of the crop stand (32) after the distribution of the plant protection and/or fertilizer by means of at least one monitoring device (30) downstream of the spray boom (16), and the comparison of the degree of wetting of the plants of the crop stand (32) recorded by the monitoring device (30) by the computer system (32) with the specified degree of wetting calculated on the basis of the target value input. The application parameters are adjusted on the basis of a deviation of the recorded degree of wetting from the specified degree of wetting of the plants of the crop stand (22).