WO2024196237A1 - Triple function agricultural machine (3 in 1) - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is an agricultural machine which has three functions: fertilizer supply, irrigation, and supply of phytosanitary products, simultaneously. It consists of: a pair of drums, two parallel height-adjustable spray booms, a tank for a fertilizer, a tank for phytosanitary products, and a chassis encompassing the entire machine in order to facilitate its mobility.

Description

Description

Title of the invention: Triple function agricultural machine (3 in 1)

Technical field of the invention

[001] The present invention relates to the field of agricultural machines, in particular those specific to the irrigation of agricultural fields. It relates in particular to machines designed for the irrigation of the concerned fields and the treatment with phytosanitary products of agricultural fields.

State of the art of the invention

[002] Sprinkler irrigation: it is an irrigation system through sprinklers, which waters the crops. This method uses a system of projecting water in a jet that falls back on the ground like rain in the form of droplets. This method is especially intended for large crops such as wheat, corn, etc. . .

[003] Advantages:

[003.1] The absence of a fixed installation.

[003.2] Free ground for mechanization.

[004] Disadvantages:

[004.1] The labor and tractor required to move the reel.

[004.2] Unsuitability for hilly or steep terrain (with a steep slope).

[004.3] A higher flow and pressure requirement than with full coverage.

[004.4] The need for significant maintenance and upkeep.

[005] Drip irrigation: this system allows localized irrigation and saves water. This method is specially designed for market gardening.

[006] Advantages:

[006.1] Precision irrigation.

[006.2] Wind insensitivity and its best efficiency rate.

[006.3] The lack of equipment has displaced mechanized work.

[006.4] Fert irrigation: a supply of fertilizer mixed with water, located as close as possible to the roots;

[006.5] Reduction of grass cover between rows (reduction of weeds).

[007] Disadvantages:

[007.1] Pipe laying and burying work.

[007.1] A need for more demanding irrigation management.

[007.2] Mandatory filtration of water passing through pipes.

[007.3] Regular maintenance of drippers. [007.4] The vulnerability of pipes.

[007.5] The risk of roots intruding into the drippers.

[007.6] A shorter system life than with sprinkling.

[007.7] Management of end-of-life irrigation pipe waste.

Presentation of the invention

[008] In order to address the drawbacks of the various irrigation techniques mentioned above. We have worked diligently and carefully to create an innovative machine that will overcome the obstacles identified above.

[009] Our innovation is a three-function irrigation machine:

[010] Localized irrigation by row for linear crops or sprinkler irrigation for open field crops.

[011] Treatment of crops by spraying phytosanitary products.

[012] Addition of granulated fertilizer.

[013] The machine consists of:

[014] Two drums glued to each other. One drum is used to wind the irrigation hose with water and the second is used to wind the hose for treating phytosanitary products (see Fig.l).

[015] Two ramps of 21 m each (see Fig.6).

[016] The first is intended for irrigation, on this ramp there is a pipe outlet every 70 cm directed towards the root of the plant to allow a localized water supply, and therefore optimize and save water.

[017] The second boom is intended for spraying phytosanitary products. Every 70 cm there will be a spray nozzle. These two booms can change height to adapt to all crops.

[018] 200 litre tank (see Fig.5) for mixing (diluting) plant protection products.

[019] 200 kg tank (see figure 5) for the addition of granulated fertilizer, which will then be mixed with water.

[020] This is a state-of-the-art irrigation system that can deliver water precisely where it is needed. Soil moisture sensors are a key part of this system, as they can accurately measure how much water the plants need. This allows the farmer to save water by only watering the areas that need it, rather than wasting water by watering areas that don’t need it.

[021] The water pump (see Fig.2) also has a second important function in this irrigation system. It helps maintain the water pressure needed for irrigation, which ensures a constant and uniform flow of water across the entire plot. This is essential to avoid dry or flooded areas, both of which can damage crops. [022] Overall, this irrigation system is a great example of how technology can be used to help farmers save water while increasing crop yields. It is important for farmers to adopt sustainable practices like this to protect natural resources and ensure sufficient food production to meet the needs of the growing population.

Description of the operation and implementation of the invention

[023] The machine consists mainly of a reel with two drums (see Fig.l) and two booms (see Fig.6). The two booms will be pulled by the tractor to the end of the plot to be irrigated. Once the booms are deployed, the water pump is started, it will have two main functions:

[024] The first function of the water pump is to supply the exact quantities of water required for each plot. These quantities will be calculated by soil moisture sensors. These moisture sensors measure the amount of water required for each plot and send a signal to a second sensor located in the water ramp to supply the exact amount of water required for the soil.

[025] This method allows farmers to achieve significant water savings. In addition to this, the water pump maintains the pressure necessary for irrigation, which would ensure a constant and uniform flow throughout the plot.

[026] Water will be brought to the root of the plant through a special pipe and tap for crops that are sown in rows (see part (18) of Fig.6).

[027] On the other hand, crops sown broadcast will be irrigated by the same pipe, except that the tap will be changed to a round nozzle always positioned at the root of the crops (see part (18) of Fig.6).

[028] The second function of the pump:

[029] The water pressure provided by the pump allows a turbine to turn, which is coupled to a reducer and speed amplifier. The latter allows the two drums to turn at the desired speed through a chain connecting them. This will allow the drums to rotate and therefore the ramps to retract.

[030] The granulated fertilizer supply will be supplied directly into the water pipe through a fertilizer injector (see Fig. 5). The quantities supplied will be calculated by the farmer and then introduced into the system which will allow small quantities to be injected per minute.

[031] The spraying of phytosanitary products will be carried out by a pump submerged in the 200-litre tank (see Fig. 4). The sprayers have a treatment capacity of 1 metre wide, which implies a periodic triggering of a few seconds of the pump depending on the rotation of the drum. The operating time will be modifiable according to the quantity of phytosanitary products required to be supplied. This quantity will also be defined by the farmer and then programmed on the machine.

[032] The ramps will be adjustable in height to adapt to any type of culture. Detailed presentation of the different figures constituting the technical drawings

[033] [Fig.1] Is a general view, and in perspective (top view, left and right side as well as a section A-A) of the Drum representing the main element constituting the reel.

[033.1] (1)- Drum wheel.

[033.2] (2)- Pipe winding base.

[033.3] (3)- Ball bearing.

[033.4] (4)- Irrigation water inlet.

[033.6] (5)- Entry of phytosanitary products.

[033.7] (6)- Connection of arrivals (4) and (5) to the pipes for irrigation.

[034] [Fig.2] Is a general view, and in perspective (top view, left and right side as well as a section A-A) of the frame representing the drum support to allow its mobility, the second main element constituting the reel.

[034.1] (7)- Drum chassis.

[034.2] (8)- Position of the hydraulic pump.

[034.3] (9)- Drum support.

[034.4] (10)- Axis of the pipe guides (cf, 3).

[035] [Fig.3] Is a general view, and in perspective (top view, left and right side as well as a section A-A) of the ring allowing the correct winding of the pipes during the rotation of the drum.

[035.1] (H)- Pipe guide which translates from right to left on the axis (10) allowing the alignment of the pipes.

[036] [Fig.4] Is a general view, and in perspective (top view, left and right side as well as a section A-A) of the phytosanitary product tank.

[036.1] (12)- Tank.

[036.2] (13)- Injector linked by a pipe for transporting the product to the reel and then to the two ramps for disinfection.

[036.3] (14)- Pillar which will rest on wheels to facilitate its mobility.

[037] [Fig.5] Is a general view, and in perspective (top view, left and right side as well as a section A-A) of the fertilizer tank.

[037.1] (15)- Tank.

[037.2] (16)- Granular fertilizer injector to the water pipe.

[037.3] (17)- Pillar which like (14) will rest on wheels to facilitate its mobility.

[038] [Fig.6] Is a general view, and in perspective (top view, left and right side as well as a section A-A) of the two ramps allowing the watering and dispersion of phytosanitary products.

[038.1] (18)- Water or phytosanitary product outlet, where the nozzles and sprayers will be fixed. [038.2] (19)- “U” shaped connection in each sub-ramp.

[038.3] (20)- Support for the two ramps adjustable in height thanks to an oil cylinder.

[038.3] (21)- Guides for adjusting and stabilizing the height of the two ramps.

[039] [Fig.7] Is a general view, and in perspective (top view, left and right side as well as a section A-A) of the turbine allowing the rotation of the drum.

[039.1] (22)- Turbine blades guided by the flow of water.

[039.2] (23)- Toothed pulleys which will be connected to the drum to force its rotation in order to pull the support of the ramps.

[039] [Fig.8] Is a general view (top view, as well as a section A-A showing the position of the turbine) water guide, element allowing water to be directed towards the water inlet of the drums while forcing the rotation of the reel thanks to the turbine.

[039.1] (24)- Water guide.

[039.2] (25)- Position of the turbine allowing rotation of the reel.

Conclusion

[040] In conclusion, a farmer who has sprinkler irrigation will have to apply fertilizer and phytosanitary products through two other machines, each connected to a tractor. On the other hand, the one requiring drip irrigation will have the possibility of applying fertilizer by taster, and will apply phytosanitary products through a sprayer connected to a tractor. Hence, the advantage of our machine is that it can apply all fertilizer and phytosanitary products simultaneously and completely autonomously, which allows for great savings in time, money and energy, generates a better yield for the farmer and finally is respectful of nature.

Perspectives

[041] Once the machine is patented, optimizations will be made, more specifically these optimizations will target the irrigation system.

[042] A more intelligent and automated irrigation system will be included. It will use the sensors to measure the soil moisture level, not only will it automatically adjust the water supply according to the needs of the plants as explained previously.

[043] But also, this system will also be able to take into account weather forecasts to adjust the quantities of water supplied, which saves water and optimizes crop growth.

[044] The system will be able to be controlled remotely via a mobile application, allowing farmers to monitor water levels in real time and control irrigation parameters at any time.

[045] The optimization patent will cover the hardware components of the irrigation system, the sensors used to measure soil moisture, the software for controlling and managing the system, and the algorithms for adjusting water supply.

Claims

Title of the invention: Triple function agricultural machine (3 in 1) Claim [Claim 1] Our invention is a three-function agricultural machine, having as functionality the supply of fertilizer, irrigation and soil treatment (supply of phytosanitary products) simultaneously characterized in that it comprises a pair of two drums which wind two pipes as well as two tanks, all installed on a triangular chassis with three wheels which allows the machine to move. This structure is connected to two booms installed on a rectangular chassis with 4 wheels. One boom intended for spraying and the second intended for irrigation and fertilizer supply. Claim 2] According to claim 1, the drums allow the winding of the two pipes through a chain which surrounds the drums and connects them to the speed reducer. The water pressure exerted on the turbine allows the speed reducer to rotate at a constant speed, which allows the drums to rotate and therefore to pull the booms at a constant speed. Claim 3] According to claim 1, the two booms are connected to two hydraulic cylinders that allow them to adjust the booms in height to adapt to all crops. The irrigation boom has taps that are adjustable in height to allow irrigation always at the root of the plant and the taps have a large diameter to avoid the obstruction of fertilizers not dissolved in the water. Each tap and sprayer are at a spacing of 70 cm. The taps can be changed to adapt to the crops (crops sown in rows or broadcast). A flow regulator is installed at the intersection of the water pipe and the boom, the latter allows to control the flow of water resulting in a real saving in water. Claim 4] According to claim 1 and 3, a water sensor is installed on the ground to calculate the exact amount of water to be supplied, this calculation will be sent directly to a control center which will send a signal to the flow meter to execute the order and supply the desired amount of water. Claim 5] According to claim 1 and 3, the spraying will be carried out through a submersible pump installed in the plant protection product tank. The spraying will be triggered automatically every 1 m at a pre-set time, this spraying time makes it possible to determine the amount of product to be supplied (the longer the time, the greater the amount supplied). Claim 6] According to claim 1 and 3, a fertilizer injector is installed at the intersection of the fertilizer tank and the irrigation pipe. The amount of fertilizer will be determined automatically by the farmer at the control center and then the fertilizer will be injected directly into the pipe and then conveyed by water directly to the root of the plant. [Claim 7] According to claim 1 and 3, the connection of the drums and the booms will be made through the two pipes (irrigation and spraying), the rotation speed of the drums will allow the traction of the chassis of the booms at a constant speed thus promoting homogeneous irrigation, fertilization and spraying.