Water and fertilizer integrated anti-blocking continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device
By introducing a crushing and stirring mechanism into the integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device, the problem of uneven dissolution caused by the different volumes of solid fertilizers is solved, realizing uniform crushing and rapid dissolution of solid fertilizers and improving dissolution efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 甘肃裕新农牧科技开发有限公司
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-16
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-19
AI Technical Summary
Existing integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving devices suffer from uneven dissolution during the dissolution process due to the varying sizes of solid fertilizers. Smaller fertilizers dissolve faster, while larger fertilizers dissolve slower, affecting dissolution efficiency.
It adopts a combination design of base plate, casters, fertilizer dissolving tank, crushing tank, feed port, filter plate, control box, discharge port, linkage mechanism and stirring mechanism. Through crushing and stirring mechanism, solid fertilizer is uniformly crushed and quickly stirred to ensure uniform volume and improve dissolution speed and uniformity.
It achieves uniform pulverization and rapid dissolution of solid fertilizers, improves dissolution efficiency, solves the problem of uneven fertilizer dissolution, and enhances the working efficiency of the device.
Smart Images

Figure CN224368380U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of automatic fertilizer dissolving technology, specifically a water and fertilizer integrated anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device. Background Technology
[0002] The integrated water and fertilizer continuous automatic irrigation system has good water and fertilizer saving effects. However, in large-scale field and orchard integrated water and fertilizer continuous automatic irrigation production, the fertilizer dissolution process generally has the problem of high production and operation costs. Taking a conventional drip irrigation system as an example, the area of a single irrigated plot is about 50 mu. During the irrigation period, two plots are irrigated in rotation every day. The maximum average fertilizer application rate is 15 kg / mu. It is necessary to continuously dissolve and inject about 1.5 tons of solid fertilizer into the irrigation pipeline every day. Therefore, an automatic fertilizer dissolving device is required for continuous fertilizer production.
[0003] Utility model patent CN222287047U discloses an integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device, belonging to the field of automatic fertilizer dissolving technology. It addresses the problem in existing technologies where insufficient dispersion and stirring during fertilizer dissolving leads to uneven dissolution, easy clumping and clogging of the filter basket, thus affecting dissolving efficiency. The device includes a base, with a fertilizer storage hopper fixedly connected to one side of the top surface. A lifting device is fixedly connected to the output end of the bottom of the fertilizer storage hopper, and a feeding pipe is fixedly connected to one side of the top of the lifting device. The bottom of the fertilizer storage hopper is connected to the feeding pipe via the lifting device. The advantages of this utility model are: by driving a drive motor to rotate a drive bevel gear, it can simultaneously drive a first driven bevel gear and a second driven bevel gear to rotate in opposite directions, causing the rotating sleeve and the central shaft to rotate in opposite directions. This results in several stirring blades and the filter basket rotating at relative heights, allowing the added solid waste to quickly fuse and decompose with water. Simultaneously, the high-speed rotating filter basket can quickly eject the dissolved waste, improving output efficiency and preventing uneven dissolution and clogging.
[0004] However, the above patent still has shortcomings: although the patent can enable the added solid fertilizer to quickly blend and decompose with water, the different sizes of the solid fertilizers result in smaller solid fertilizers dissolving faster and larger solid fertilizers dissolving slower during the dissolution process, thus causing uneven fertilizer dissolution. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides an integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device to solve the problem mentioned in the background art. Although the existing integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device can make the added solid fertilizer quickly blend and decompose with water, the different sizes of the solid fertilizers result in smaller solid fertilizers dissolving faster and larger solid fertilizers dissolving slower during the dissolution process, thus causing uneven fertilizer dissolution.
[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is:
[0007] A continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device with anti-clogging and integrated water and fertilizer system includes: a base plate, with universal casters with braking function fixedly connected to the four corners of the bottom of the base plate; a fertilizer dissolving tank fixedly connected to the top of the base plate, a crushing box provided on one side of the top of the fertilizer dissolving tank, a feed inlet opened at the bottom of the crushing box, the bottom end of the feed inlet fixedly connected to the fertilizer dissolving tank, a filter plate provided inside the crushing box, a control box with an internal touch screen fixedly connected to one side of the fertilizer dissolving tank, and a discharge port with an internal valve opened on one side of the bottom of the fertilizer dissolving tank; a linkage mechanism for crushing solid fertilizer is provided on the top of the filter plate; and a stirring mechanism for efficiently dissolving fertilizer is provided inside the fertilizer dissolving tank.
[0008] Preferably, the linkage mechanism includes: two first rotating shafts are provided on the top of the filter plate; a second rotating shaft is provided on the top of each of the two first rotating shafts on opposite sides; both the first and second rotating shafts are rotatably connected to the grinding box; one end of each of the two first rotating shafts passes through the grinding box and extends to a first gear; the two first gears are respectively fixed to the outer surface of the first rotating shafts and mesh with each other; one end of one first rotating shaft away from the first gear is fixedly connected to the output end of a first motor; the first motor is fixedly connected to the grinding box; a fixed roller is fixedly connected to the outer surface of both the first and second rotating shafts; and a plurality of grinding discs are alternately fixedly connected to the outer surface of each fixed roller.
[0009] Preferably, each of the first gears has a first synchronous pulley on the side away from the crushing box. The first synchronous pulleys are respectively fixed to the outer surface of the first rotating shaft. Each of the first synchronous pulleys is connected to a second synchronous pulley by a synchronous belt with anti-slip function. The two second synchronous pulleys are respectively fixed to the outer surface of the second rotating shaft.
[0010] Preferably, side baffles are fixedly connected to both sides of the filter plate, and the side baffles are fixedly connected to the crushing box. Toothed plates are provided on both sides of the filter plate, and the toothed plates are fixedly connected to the crushing box. The toothed plates are adapted to the crushing disc.
[0011] Preferably, the stirring mechanism includes: an arc-shaped filter plate fixedly connected inside the fertilizer dissolving tank; a third rotating shaft disposed inside the arc-shaped filter plate; five sets of stirring blades fixedly connected to the outer surface of the third rotating shaft located inside the arc-shaped filter plate, all of which cooperate with the arc-shaped filter plate; one end of the third rotating shaft rotatably connected to the fertilizer dissolving tank; the other end of the third rotating shaft passing through the fertilizer dissolving tank and extending to a second gear; the second gear fixedly connected to the third rotating shaft; a third gear meshing with the top of the second gear; the diameter of the third gear being larger than that of the second gear; a fixed frame fixedly connected to the fertilizer dissolving tank near the third gear; a second motor fixedly connected to the side of the fixed frame away from the fertilizer dissolving tank; the output end of the second motor passing through the fixed frame and extending to the third gear; and the third gear fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor.
[0012] Preferably, a rotating roller is rotatably connected inside the feed inlet, and several metering plates are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the rotating roller. The metering plates are all adapted to the feed inlet. A servo motor is fixedly connected to the feed inlet near the rotating roller, and the output end of the servo motor is fixedly connected to the rotating roller.
[0013] Preferably, the fertilizer dissolving tank is fixedly connected to a water supply pipe with an internal flow sensor near the feed inlet.
[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:
[0015] Firstly, this utility model, through the coordinated action of a base plate, casters, a fertilizer dissolving tank, a crushing tank, a feed inlet, a filter plate, a control box, a discharge outlet, and a linkage mechanism, can crush solid fertilizer, resulting in uniform volume of the crushed solid fertilizer. This not only improves the fertilizer dissolution speed but also ensures uniform dissolution. It solves the problem that while existing integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving devices can quickly fuse and decompose the added solid fertilizer with water, the varying sizes of the fixed fertilizers result in smaller solid fertilizers dissolving faster and larger solid fertilizers dissolving slower, leading to uneven fertilizer dissolution.
[0016] Secondly, through the combined action of the base plate, casters, fertilizer dissolving tank, crushing tank, feed inlet, filter plate, control box, discharge outlet, and stirring mechanism, this utility model can fully and quickly stir water and crushed solid fertilizer, thereby improving the dissolution rate of solid fertilizer and thus improving the working efficiency of the device. Attached Figure Description
[0017] Figure 1This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device according to the present invention;
[0018] Figure 2 This is a side sectional view of the integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device of this utility model.
[0019] Figure 3 For the present utility model Figure 2 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle;
[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the linkage mechanism structure of this utility model;
[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the stirring mechanism of this utility model;
[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the rotating roller and the metering plate of this utility model.
[0023] In the picture:
[0024] 1. Base plate; 2. Casters; 3. Fertilizer dissolving tank; 4. Crushing tank; 5. Feed inlet; 6. Filter plate; 7. Control box; 8. Discharge port; 9. Linkage mechanism; 10. Stirring mechanism; 11. First rotating shaft; 12. Second rotating shaft; 13. First gear; 14. Fixed roller; 15. Crushing disc; 16. First synchronous pulley; 17. Synchronous belt; 18. Second synchronous pulley; 19. Side baffle; 20. Toothed plate; 21. Arc-shaped filter plate; 22. Third rotating shaft; 23. Stirring blade; 24. Second gear; 25. Third gear; 26. Fixed frame; 27. Second motor; 28. Rotating roller; 29. Metering plate; 30. Servo motor; 31. Water supply pipe; 32. First motor. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.
[0026] Please see Figures 1 to 6 The present invention will describe the above technical solution in detail through the following embodiments:
[0027] A continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device with anti-clogging and integrated water and fertilizer system includes: a base plate 1, with universal wheels 2 having braking function fixedly connected to the four corners of the bottom of the base plate 1; a fertilizer dissolving tank 3 fixedly connected to the top of the base plate 1, a crushing box 4 provided on one side of the top of the fertilizer dissolving tank 3, an inlet 5 opened at the bottom of the crushing box 4, the bottom end of the inlet 5 fixedly connected to the fertilizer dissolving tank 3, a filter plate 6 provided inside the crushing box 4, a control box 7 with an internal touch screen fixedly connected to one side of the fertilizer dissolving tank 3, and a discharge port 8 with an internal valve opened on one side of the bottom of the fertilizer dissolving tank 3; a linkage mechanism 9 for crushing solid fertilizer is provided on the top of the filter plate 6; a stirring mechanism 10 for efficiently dissolving fertilizer is provided inside the fertilizer dissolving tank 3. When the user pours solid fertilizer into the crushing box 4, the linkage mechanism 9 inside the crushing box 4 continuously crushes the solid fertilizer. After crushing, the solid fertilizer that meets the volume requirements falls into the fertilizer dissolving tank 3 through the filter plate 6, and then the stirring mechanism 10 stirs and dissolves the water and solid fertilizer inside the fertilizer dissolving tank 3.
[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the linkage mechanism 9 includes: two first rotating shafts 11 are provided on the top of the filter plate 6, and a second rotating shaft 12 is provided on the top of each of the two first rotating shafts 11 on opposite sides. The first rotating shafts 11 and the second rotating shafts 12 are rotatably connected to the crushing box 4. One end of each of the two first rotating shafts 11 passes through the crushing box 4 and extends to the first gear 13. The two first gears 13 are respectively fixed to the outer surface of the first rotating shafts 11 and mesh with each other. The end of one of the first rotating shafts 11 away from the first gear 13 is fixedly connected to the output end of the first motor 32. The first motor 32 is fixedly connected to the crushing box 4. Fixed rollers 14 are fixedly connected to the outer surfaces of the first rotating shafts 11 and the second rotating shafts 12. Several crushing discs 15 are fixedly connected to the outer surfaces of the fixed rollers 14 in an alternating manner. When the first motor 32 is started, the output end of the first motor 32 drives one of the first rotating shafts 11. The first rotating shaft 11 drives the other first rotating shaft 11 to rotate in the opposite direction through the cooperation of the two first gears 13.
[0029] like Figure 4As shown, each of the first gears 13 has a first synchronous wheel 16 on the side away from the crushing box 4. The first synchronous wheels 16 are fixed to the outer surface of the first rotating shaft 11. Each of the first synchronous wheels 16 is connected to a second synchronous wheel 18 through a synchronous belt 17 with anti-slip function. The two second synchronous wheels 18 are fixed to the outer surface of the second rotating shaft 12. When the two first rotating shafts 11 rotate, they drive the first synchronous wheels 16. The first synchronous wheels 16 drive the second synchronous wheels 18 through the synchronous belt 17. The second synchronous wheels 18 drive the second rotating shaft 12 to rotate. When the first rotating shaft 11 and the second rotating shaft 12 rotate, they drive the crushing disc 15 through the fixed roller 14. When the crushing disc 15 rotates, it crushes the solid fertilizer. The solid fertilizer that meets the volume standard after crushing falls to the bottom of the crushing box 4 through the filter plate 6, while the fertilizer that does not meet the volume standard remains on the filter plate 6 and is continuously crushed by the crushing disc 15 until it meets the volume standard and falls to the bottom of the crushing box 4.
[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, side baffles 19 are fixedly connected to both sides of the filter plate 6, and the side baffles 19 are fixedly connected to the crushing box 4. Toothed plates 20 are provided on both sides of the filter plate 6, and the toothed plates 20 are fixedly connected to the crushing box 4. The toothed plates 20 are adapted to the crushing disc 15 and can block solid fertilizer to prevent solid fertilizer from falling into the fertilizer dissolving box 3 through the gap between the crushing disc 15 and the crushing box 4.
[0031] like Figure 5 As shown, the stirring mechanism 10 includes: an arc-shaped filter plate 21 fixedly connected inside the fertilizer dissolving tank 3; a third rotating shaft 22 disposed inside the arc-shaped filter plate 21; five sets of stirring blades 23 fixedly connected to the outer surface of the third rotating shaft 22 located inside the arc-shaped filter plate 21, all of which cooperate with the arc-shaped filter plate 21; one end of the third rotating shaft 22 is rotatably connected to the fertilizer dissolving tank 3, and the other end of the third rotating shaft 22 passes through the fertilizer dissolving tank 3 and extends to the second gear 24; the second gear 24 is fixedly connected to the third rotating shaft 22; a third gear 25 meshes with the top of the second gear 24; the diameter of the third gear 25 is larger than that of the second gear 24; and the fertilizer dissolving tank 3 is close to the third gear. A fixed frame 26 is fixedly connected at 25 points. A second motor 27 is fixedly connected to the side of the fixed frame 26 away from the fertilizer dissolving tank 3. The output end of the second motor 27 passes through the fixed frame 26 and extends to the third gear 25. The third gear 25 is fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor 27. When the second motor 27 is started, the output end of the second motor 27 drives the third gear 25. While the third gear 25 rotates, it drives the second gear 24 to rotate at high speed. While the second gear 24 rotates, it drives the third rotating shaft 22. The third rotating shaft 22 drives the stirring blade 23. While the stirring blade 23 rotates, it stirs the water and solid fertilizer inside the fertilizer dissolving tank 3, thereby making the solid fertilizer dissolve quickly.
[0032] like Figure 6 As shown, a rotating roller 28 is rotatably connected inside the feed inlet 5. Several metering plates 29 are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the rotating roller 28. The metering plates 29 are all adapted to the feed inlet 5. A servo motor 30 is fixedly connected to the feed inlet 5 near the rotating roller 28. The output end of the servo motor 30 is fixedly connected to the rotating roller 28. When the servo motor 30 is started, the output end of the servo motor 30 drives the rotating roller 28. While rotating, the rotating roller 28 drives the metering plates 29. Through the cooperation of the metering plates 29 and the feed inlet 5, the crushed solid fertilizer is meteredly transported into the interior of the fertilizer dissolving tank 3.
[0033] like Figure 6 As shown, a water pipe 31 with an internal flow sensor is fixedly connected to the fertilizer dissolving tank 3 near the feed inlet 5, which can quantitatively deliver water.
[0034] Working principle: The user pours solid fertilizer into the crushing box 4 and starts the first motor 32. The output of the first motor 32 drives one of the first rotating shafts 11. The first rotating shaft 11 drives the other first rotating shaft 11 to rotate in the opposite direction through the cooperation of two first gears 13. The rotation of the two first rotating shafts 11 drives the first synchronous pulley 16. The first synchronous pulley 16 drives the second synchronous pulley 18 through the synchronous belt 17. The second synchronous pulley 18 drives the second rotating shaft 12 to rotate. While rotating, the first rotating shaft 11 and the second rotating shaft 12 drive the crushing disc 15 through the fixed roller 14. The crushing disc 15 crushes the solid fertilizer while rotating. The crushed solid fertilizer that meets the volume requirements passes through the filter plate 6. Fertilizer that falls to the bottom of the crushing box 4, while fertilizer that does not meet the volume requirements remains on the filter plate 6 and is continuously crushed by the crushing disc 15 until it meets the volume requirements and falls to the bottom of the crushing box 4. This process can crush solid fertilizer, making the crushed solid fertilizer uniform in volume. This not only improves the fertilizer dissolution speed but also makes the fertilizer dissolve evenly. It solves the problem that although the existing water-fertilizer integrated anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolution device can make the added solid fertilizer quickly blend and decompose with water, the different sizes of the solid fertilizers cause smaller solid fertilizers to dissolve faster and larger solid fertilizers to dissolve slower during the dissolution process, resulting in uneven fertilizer dissolution.
[0035] The second motor 27 is started, and the output end of the second motor 27 drives the third gear 25. While the third gear 25 is rotating, it drives the second gear 24 to rotate at high speed. While the second gear 24 is rotating, it drives the third rotating shaft 22. The third rotating shaft 22 drives the stirring blade 23. While the stirring blade 23 is rotating, it stirs the water and solid fertilizer inside the fertilizer dissolving tank 3, thereby making the solid fertilizer dissolve quickly. It can fully and quickly stir the water and the crushed solid fertilizer, improve the dissolution speed of the solid fertilizer, and thus improve the working efficiency of the device.
[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device with anti-clogging properties for integrated water and fertilizer application, comprising: The base plate (1) has four fixedly connected casters (2) with braking function at the bottom corners; The features are as follows: a fertilizer dissolving box (3) is fixedly connected to the top of the base plate (1), a crushing box (4) is provided on one side of the top of the fertilizer dissolving box (3), an inlet (5) is opened at the bottom of the crushing box (4), the bottom end of the inlet (5) is fixedly connected to the fertilizer dissolving box (3), a filter plate (6) is provided inside the crushing box (4), a control box (7) with a touch screen is fixedly connected to one side of the fertilizer dissolving box (3), and a discharge port (8) with a valve is opened on one side of the bottom of the fertilizer dissolving box (3). The top of the filter plate (6) is provided with a linkage mechanism (9) for crushing solid fertilizer; The fertilizer dissolving tank (3) is equipped with a stirring mechanism (10) for efficient dissolving of fertilizer.
2. The water and fertilizer integrated anti-blocking continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linkage mechanism (9) includes: The filter plate (6) has two first rotating shafts (11) on its top. The top of each of the two first rotating shafts (11) is provided with a second rotating shaft (12) on the opposite side. The first rotating shafts (11) and the second rotating shafts (12) are rotatably connected to the crushing box (4). One end of each of the two first rotating shafts (11) passes through the crushing box (4) and extends to the first gear (13). The two first gears (13) are fixed to the outer surface of the first rotating shafts (11) respectively. The two first gears (13) mesh with each other. The end of one of the first rotating shafts (11) away from the first gear (13) is fixedly connected to the output end of the first motor (32). The first motor (32) is fixedly connected to the crushing box (4). The outer surfaces of the first rotating shaft (11) and the second rotating shaft (12) are fixedly connected with fixed rollers (14), and the outer surfaces of the fixed rollers (14) are fixedly connected with a plurality of crushing discs (15) in an alternating manner.
3. The water and fertilizer integrated anti-blocking continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Each of the first gears (13) is provided with a first synchronous pulley (16) on the side away from the crushing box (4). The first synchronous pulleys (16) are fixed to the outer surface of the first rotating shaft (11). Each of the first synchronous pulleys (16) is connected to a second synchronous pulley (18) by a synchronous belt (17) with anti-slip function. The two second synchronous pulleys (18) are fixed to the outer surface of the second rotating shaft (12).
4. The integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: Both sides of the filter plate (6) are fixedly connected to side baffles (19), and the side baffles (19) are fixedly connected to the crushing box (4). Both sides of the filter plate (6) are provided with toothed plates (20), and the toothed plates (20) are fixedly connected to the crushing box (4). The toothed plates (20) are adapted to the crushing disc (15).
5. The integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The stirring mechanism (10) includes: The inside of the fertilizer dissolving tank (3) is fixedly connected to an arc-shaped filter plate (21). The inside of the arc-shaped filter plate (21) is provided with a third rotating shaft (22). The outer surface of the third rotating shaft (22) located inside the arc-shaped filter plate (21) is fixedly connected with five sets of stirring blades (23). The stirring blades (23) are all in cooperation with the arc-shaped filter plate (21). One end of the third rotating shaft (22) is rotatably connected to the fertilizer dissolving tank (3), and the other end of the third rotating shaft (22) passes through the fertilizer dissolving tank (3) and extends to the second gear (24). The second gear (24) is fixedly connected to the third rotating shaft (22). The top of the second gear (24) is meshed with the third gear (25). The diameter of the third gear (25) is larger than that of the second gear (24). A fixing frame (26) is fixedly connected to the fertilizer dissolving tank (3) near the third gear (25). A second motor (27) is fixedly connected to the side of the fixing frame (26) away from the fertilizer dissolving tank (3). The output end of the second motor (27) passes through the fixing frame (26) and extends to the third gear (25). The third gear (25) is fixedly connected to the output end of the second motor (27).
6. The integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The feed inlet (5) is rotatably connected to a rotating roller (28). Several metering plates (29) are fixedly connected to the outer surface of the rotating roller (28). The metering plates (29) are all adapted to the feed inlet (5). A servo motor (30) is fixedly connected to the feed inlet (5) near the rotating roller (28). The output end of the servo motor (30) is fixedly connected to the rotating roller (28).
7. The integrated water and fertilizer anti-clogging continuous automatic fertilizer dissolving device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The fertilizer dissolving tank (3) is fixedly connected to a water supply pipe (31) with an internal flow sensor near the feed inlet (5).