Vision-Guided Sapling Irrigation With In-Motion Nozzle Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sapling irrigation systems are inefficient and lack automation for post-planting watering, requiring manual intervention and leading to suboptimal sapling survival and growth due to environmental sensitivity and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A vision-based irrigation system integrated with a work machine that uses a sensor to identify saplings and control the release of hydrating fluid through a fluid delivery member, maintaining a non-relative motion with respect to the sapling while the machine moves, ensuring precise and automated watering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual watering with a water cart drawn by a tractor is used, then saplings can be watered after planting, but the process is inefficient and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service irrigation by using onboard sensors to automatically detect saplings and trigger the water delivery mechanism without manual intervention. The work machine independently identifies its watering targets and executes the irrigation process autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of drawing a water cart and manually watering saplings is replaced by an automated system using sensors, controllers, and onboard fluid delivery mechanisms integrated into the work machine.
2Productivity
If a work machine moves while irrigating, then operational efficiency increases, but maintaining precise positioning relative to saplings becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the positioning of the fluid delivery member based on real-time sensor data and machine motion. The controller continuously modifies the delivery member's position to maintain optimal alignment with detected saplings while the machine is in motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to continuously monitor sapling positions and machine movement, allowing the controller to make real-time adjustments to the fluid delivery member's positioning to maintain precision during operation.
3Measurement precision
If automated sensor-based identification is used, then watering accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine performs multiple functions - it operates as both a ground-working machine and an automated irrigation system. The sensor system and fluid delivery mechanism are integrated into existing machine structures, reducing the need for entirely separate specialized equipment.
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
The system enhances sapling survival and growth by providing accurate and efficient watering, reducing fuel consumption, and increasing operational efficiency through automated and semi-automated irrigation processes.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is attached to the chassis and the sensor is configured to observe the ground to identify a sapling. The sensor outputs a signal when a sapling is identified above the ground.
Implementation Method 2
The fluid delivery member comprises a plurality of nozzles to distribute the fluid flow around the sapling.
Implementation Method 3
Simultaneously, a predetermined quantity of hydrating fluid is delivered through the fluid delivery member.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine for irrigation of saplings in silviculture. A work machine comprising a chassis along with a propulsion system and ground-engaging elements. A hydrating module is coupled to the chassis. The hydrating module comprises a hydrating fluid storage tank, a fluid delivery member, a drive mechanism to move hydrating fluid delivery member relative to the chassis and a hydrating control unit. A sensor is coupled to the chassis and the sensor is configured to observe the ground to identify a sapling. The sensor outputs a signal when a sapling is identified. The hydrating control unit controls a position of the fluid delivery member to maintain a non-relative motion with respect to the sapling while the work machine traverses the field. Simultaneously, a predetermined quantity of hydrating fluid is delivered through the fluid delivery member.