Agricultural Spraying Boom Adaptive Row Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural spraying devices face challenges in applying spray liquids efficiently in areas where crop rows are not perfectly aligned due to imprecise sowing or interruptions in the field's row structure, leading to inefficient use of herbicides and fungicides.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a combination of first and second spray patterns by spraying elements, where the first pattern is applied in row areas with rows parallel to the device's direction and a second pattern in row-free areas, allowing for adaptive application and significant savings in crop protection agents by adjusting spray patterns based on detected plant rows and row ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If spray liquid is applied uniformly across the entire field, then all areas receive adequate coverage, but excessive spray liquid is wasted in row-free areas where it is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spray patterns to different areas: a first spray pattern (narrower, row-targeted) is used in row areas where plants are present, and a second spray pattern (broader, broadcast) is used in row-free areas. This local differentiation allows the system to reduce spray liquid consumption in areas where it is not needed while maintaining adequate coverage where plants require treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray pattern is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of row structures. The system automatically switches between the first and second spray patterns as it transitions between row areas and row-free areas, enabling adaptive spray liquid application that responds to changing field conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single spray pattern is used for the entire field, then the spraying system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to areas where row structure is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two predefined spray patterns based on detected row structures. The control device automatically selects the appropriate spray pattern (first or second) depending on whether the area is classified as a row area or row-free area, providing adaptability without requiring complex real-time pattern generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The field is segmented into row areas and row-free areas based on plant row detection. The spraying system is divided into different spray patterns that can be selectively applied to each segment type, allowing the system to adapt to varying field conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through predefined pattern options.
3Quantity of substance
If spray liquid is applied in row areas only, then spray liquid consumption is reduced, but coverage in row-free areas where weeds may grow is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies the first spray pattern (row-targeted) in row areas to treat plants and weeds within rows, and the second spray pattern (broadcast) in row-free areas to provide broader coverage where weed growth is more likely. This local differentiation ensures adequate weed control in both row and row-free areas while minimizing overall spray liquid consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray pattern dynamically adapts to the local area type: when row structures are detected, the system switches to the first spray pattern for targeted row application; when row-free areas are detected, it switches to the second spray pattern for broader coverage, thereby maintaining effective weed control across diverse field conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for applying spray fluid by means of an agricultural spraying device, comprising the following steps: applying spray fluid to agricultural land by means of multiple spray elements arranged on a spray boom of the agricultural spraying device; and detecting rows of plants on the agricultural land during the application of spray fluid, wherein the spray fluid is applied in row regions of the agricultural land with plant rows by at least one spray element with a first spraying pattern, and in regions of the agricultural land without plant rows by at least one spray element with a second spraying pattern.