1. A bio-input micro-dose applicator comprising: • a bio-input storage and conditioning unit (101) including a sealed reservoir, agitation system, and temperature-controlled chamber; • a precision micro-dosing mechanism (102) comprising micro-pumps or piezo-controlled dosing valves capable of dispensing microlitre to millilitre quantities; • a targeted delivery system (103) configured for root-zone injection, sub-surface placement, or electrostatic foliar micro-spraying; • a sensor-based control and decision unit (104) comprising soil moisture sensors, crop spacing sensors, and forward speed sensors for synchronizing dosing with plant position; and • an anti-wastage and bio-protection design (105) configured to minimize drift, runoff, leaching, and exposure to UV or heat, thereby preserving microbial viability.

2. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the precision micro-dosing mechanism (102) delivers ultra-low doses with high accuracy and repeatability.

3. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the targeted delivery system (103) ensures adherence of bio-inputs to leaf pores or localized soil zones.

4. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sensor-based control unit (104) operates in synchronization with plant spacing and forward movement.

5. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the system is compatible with manual push units, power tiller-mounted systems, tractor-mounted implements, or battery/solar-assisted operation (106).

6. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the farmer-friendly control interface (107) provides dose selection options, LED indicators, and simplified operation requiring minimal technical skill.

7. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the bio-input storage unit (101) includes agitation to prevent microbial settling and maintain uniform suspension.

8. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the anti-wastage design (105) reduces leaching and runoff losses in light soils.

9. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the precision dosing mechanism (102) is adjustable based on crop stage and input type.

10. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the system is specifically engineered for biological inputs and is unsuitable for bulk chemical application.

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an input micro-dose applicator for precision and sustainable agriculture
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modern agriculture is increasingly shifting toward the use of bio-inputs such as bio fertilizers, bio-stimulants, microbial consortia, plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and organic liquid formulations to improve soil health, crop productivity, and sustainability. However, the effectiveness of these bio-inputs is highly dependent on accurate dosage, targeted placement, and uniform application.Currently, most bio-inputs are applied using conventional sprayers, flood application, or fertigation systems, which suffer from major limitations:
• Over-application leading to wastage and increased cost
• Non-uniform distribution resulting in inconsistent crop response Low survival and efficiency of microbial inputs due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and desiccation
• Leaching and runoff losses, especially in light soils
• Lack of precision in targeting crop root zones or foliage pores
Bio-inputs are typically required in very small (micro) doses, but existing machinery is designed for bulk chemical application and is unsuitable for ultra-low, precision dosing.Hence, there exists a critical need for a dedicated machinery system capable of accurately delivering bio-inputs in micro-doses, targeted precisely to crop root or foliar zones, with minimal wastage and maximum biological efficiency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
The Bio-Input Micro-Dose Applicator is a precision agricultural machinery system designed
to deliver ultra-low, accurately controlled doses of bio-inputs directly to targeted crop zones
(root zone, seed zone, or foliar surface) while preserving biological viability.
The present invention relates to a dedicated agricultural machinery system designed to deliver ultra-low, precisely controlled doses of bio-inputs such as bio-fertilizers, bio-stimulants, microbial consortia, and organic formulations directly to crop-specific zones. Unlike conventional sprayers or fertigation systems that are optimized for bulk chemical application, the proposed Bio-Input Micro-Dose Applicator integrates specialized modules to ensure accurate dosing, targeted placement, and preservation of biological viability.
The system comprises a bio-input storage and conditioning unit equipped with sealed reservoirs, agitation mechanisms, and temperature control to maintain microbial survival. A precision micro-dosing mechanism employing micro-pumps or piezo-controlled valves dispenses microlitre to millilitre quantities with high repeatability. A targeted delivery system enables root-zone injection, sub-surface placement, or electrostatic foliar spraying, ensuring adherence to crop root zones or leaf pores.
A sensor-based control and decision unit synchronizes dosing with plant position and soil conditions using inputs from soil moisture, crop spacing, and forward speed sensors. The applicator further incorporates anti-wastage and bio-protection features to minimize drift, runoff, leaching, and exposure to UV or heat. The system is adaptable to multiple mobility and power configurations, including manual push units, tractor-mounted implements, and battery or solar-assisted operation, and is supported by a farmer-friendly interface for simple dose selection and monitoring.
By combining micro-dose dispensing, biological protection, and event-based actuation into a unified architecture, the invention provides a novel solution for precision and sustainable agriculture. It ensures efficient use of bio-inputs, reduces wastage, enhances microbial survival, and delivers consistent crop responses, thereby overcoming the limitations of conventional chemical applicators.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a",” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", “third”, and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Bio-Input Micro-Dose Applicator is a precision agricultural machinery system designed to deliver ultra-low, accurately controlled doses of bio-inputs directly to targeted crop zones (root zone, seed zone, or foliar surface) while preserving biological viability.
Major Functional Modules
Bio-Input Storage and Conditioning Unit
• Sealed micro-dose reservoir for liquid or suspended bio-inputs
• Agitation system to prevent microbial settling
• Temperature-controlled or insulated chamber to maintain microbial viability
2. Precision Micro-Dosing Mechanism
• Micro-pump or piezo-controlled dosing valves
• Capable of dispensing millilitre or microlitre-scale doses
• Dose rate adjustable based on crop stage and input type
3. Targeted Delivery System
• Root-zone injection
• Sub-surface placement
• Electrostatic foliar micro-spraying
• Ensures adherence to leaf pores or localized soil zones
4. Sensor-Based Control and Decision Unit
• Sensors for:
• Soil moisture
• Crop spacing
• Forward speed
• Synchronizes dosing with plant position and movement
5. Anti-Wastage and Bio-Protection Design
• Prevents exposure to UV, heat, and air
• Minimizes drift, runoff, and leaching
• Ensures maximum bio-input survival
6. Mobility and Power System
• Manual push units
• Power tiller-mounted systems
• Tractor-mounted implements
• Battery or solar-assisted operation
7. Farmer-Friendly Control Interface
• Simple dose selection options
• LED indicators for application status
• Minimal technical skill requiremet
The invention relates to a bio-input micro-dose applicator designed for precision and sustainable agriculture. The system comprises a bio-input storage and conditioning unit (101), which includes a sealed reservoir for liquid or suspended bio-inputs, an agitation system to prevent microbial settling, and a temperature-controlled chamber to preserve biological viability.
A precision micro-dosing mechanism (102) employs micro-pumps or piezo-controlled valves capable of dispensing microlitre to millilitre doses with high accuracy. The dose rate is adjustable depending on crop stage and input type. The targeted delivery system (103) enables root-zone injection, sub-surface placement, or electrostatic foliar micro-spraying, ensuring precise adherence to crop root zones or leaf pores.
The sensor-based control and decision unit (104) integrates soil moisture sensors, crop spacing sensors, and forward speed sensors to synchronize dosing with plant position and movement. An anti-wastage and bio-protection design (105) minimizes drift, runoff, leaching, and exposure to UV or heat, thereby ensuring maximum microbial survival.
The applicator is adaptable to multiple mobility and power systems (106), including manual push units, power tiller-mounted systems, tractor-mounted implements, and battery or solar-assisted operation. A farmer-friendly control interface (107) provides simple dose selection options, LED indicators, and requires minimal technical skill, making the system accessible to smallholder farmers.
This invention uniquely integrates micro-dose dispensing, biological protection, and event-based actuation into a single machinery system specifically engineered for bio-inputs. Unlike conventional sprayers or fertigation systems designed for bulk chemical application, the applicator delivers ultra-low, precise doses of living formulations, thereby reducing wastage, improving efficiency, and supporting sustainable agriculture.
The novelty of the present invention resides in the non-obvious and synergistic integration of a bio-input-exclusive micro-dose dispensing mechanism with targeted delivery, biological protection, and event-based actuation, forming a machinery system uniquely designed for the application of living agricultural bio-inputs.
Existing agricultural applicators—such as sprayers, fertigation units, and variable-rate nutrient applicators—are fundamentally designed for bulk chemical inputs and operate on the principle of continuous flow or blanket application. These systems are inherently unsuitable for biological inputs that require ultra-low dosages, precise placement, and protection of microbial viability. The present invention overcomes these limitations by introducing a dedicated bio-input machinery architecture rather than a modified chemical applicator.
1. Bio-Input-Exclusive Micro-Dose Application Mechanism
A primary novelty of the invention lies in the development of a micro-dose dispensing mechanism specifically engineered for bio-inputs, capable of delivering inputs in microlitre to millilitre quantities with high accuracy and repeatability.
Unlike conventional pumps and nozzles that are calibrated for high-volume flow, the present invention employs precision micro-actuators and controlled dispensing elements that ensure:
• Ultra-low dose delivery
• Accurate repeatability per plant or per zone
• Elimination of over-application and wastage
No known agricultural machinery currently offers a bio-input-exclusive micro-dose delivery system tailored for living formulations.
, Claims:1. A bio-input micro-dose applicator comprising:
• a bio-input storage and conditioning unit (101) including a sealed reservoir, agitation system, and temperature-controlled chamber;
• a precision micro-dosing mechanism (102) comprising micro-pumps or piezo-controlled dosing valves capable of dispensing microlitre to millilitre quantities;
• a targeted delivery system (103) configured for root-zone injection, sub-surface placement, or electrostatic foliar micro-spraying;
• a sensor-based control and decision unit (104) comprising soil moisture sensors, crop spacing sensors, and forward speed sensors for synchronizing dosing with plant position; and
• an anti-wastage and bio-protection design (105) configured to minimize drift, runoff, leaching, and exposure to UV or heat, thereby preserving microbial viability.
2. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the precision micro-dosing mechanism (102) delivers ultra-low doses with high accuracy and repeatability.
3. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the targeted delivery system (103) ensures adherence of bio-inputs to leaf pores or localized soil zones.
4. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the sensor-based control unit (104) operates in synchronization with plant spacing and forward movement.
5. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the system is compatible with manual push units, power tiller-mounted systems, tractor-mounted implements, or battery/solar-assisted operation (106).
6. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the farmer-friendly control interface (107) provides dose selection options, LED indicators, and simplified operation requiring minimal technical skill.
7. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the bio-input storage unit (101) includes agitation to prevent microbial settling and maintain uniform suspension.
8. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the anti-wastage design (105) reduces leaching and runoff losses in light soils.
9. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the precision dosing mechanism (102) is adjustable based on crop stage and input type.
10. The applicator as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the system is specifically engineered for biological inputs and is unsuitable for bulk chemical application.