Weed Electrode Applicator With Vision-Guided Pivot Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural weeding technologies lack a practical and efficient method to apply electrical energy to undesired plants, particularly in crop fields, and are not easily integrated with existing equipment like agricultural pivots.
Innovation Solution
An applicator system comprising an image sensor, electrode, and movers for horizontal and vertical movement, allowing precise detection and application of electrical current to undesired plants, which can be integrated with agricultural pivots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical energy is applied to kill or desiccate weeds, then weeding efficacy is improved, but integration with existing agricultural equipment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed as a multi-functional device that can be integrated with existing agricultural equipment such as agricultural pivots. The applicator combines electrical current application capability with mechanical movement systems (horizontal and vertical movers) and image sensing, allowing it to serve both as a weeding device and as a component of larger agricultural machinery systems, thereby improving integration versatility while maintaining weeding efficacy
2Reliability
If applicators are moved toward plants and contact undesired plants, then electrical current application is effective, but precision and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates an image sensor that captures images of the treatment area before electrical current is applied. The processor analyzes these images to detect and identify undesired plants, determining their precise locations and characteristics. This preliminary detection and identification action enables the system to target specific weeds with electrical current while avoiding desired plants, thereby improving both effectiveness and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image sensors to continuously monitor the treatment area and provides feedback to the control system. The processor analyzes the captured images to identify undesired plants and adjusts the applicator's position and electrical current application accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise targeting and control, allowing the applicator to move toward detected weeds and apply electrical current accurately while avoiding damage to desired plants
3Measurement precision
If image sensors and movers are integrated, then detection and application precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator merges multiple functional components into a single integrated device: the image sensor for detection, the processor for image analysis and weed identification, the horizontal and vertical movers for positioning, and the electrical current application system. By combining these components into one unified applicator unit that can be mounted on existing agricultural equipment, the system achieves high detection and application precision while managing overall device complexity through integration rather than separate independent systems
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 efficient and precise application of electrical energy to undesired plants, improving weeding efficacy and scalability across large areas.
Implementation Method 1
an image sensor configured to capture image data of an area to be treated and connected to a processor configured to perform a detection method for detecting an undesired plant
Implementation Method 2
an electrode for applying electrical current by contacting the undesired plant
Implementation Method 3
the electrical energy can be applied to kill or desiccate weeds
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to an applicator for applying electrical current into a plant, the applicator being connected to an electrical power source, the applicator comprising: an image sensor configured to capture image data of the area to be treated and connected to a processor configured to perform a detection method for detecting an undesired plant; an electrode for applying electrical current by contacting the undesired plant; and a vertical mover configured to vertically move the electrode; wherein, when an undesired plant is detected, the horizontal mover moves the applicator horizontally above the undesired plant and/or the vertical mover moves the electrode toward the undesired plant. The present invention also refers to a system, an agricultural pivot and method for applying electrical current into a plant.