Accumulator Dampens Pulsations in Agricultural Liquid Valves
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines experience pulsation issues in liquid material application due to pulsed valve control systems and pump-induced fluctuations, leading to discontinuous and inefficient dispensing of liquids.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an accumulator downstream of the valve on the agricultural machine, combined with a smaller diameter exit hose, to absorb and smooth out pressure pulses, ensuring consistent liquid flow and improved coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pulsed valve control system is used to apply liquid material, then the liquid application can be controlled and metered, but pulsation is introduced into the liquid flow causing discontinuous dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
An accumulator is introduced as an intermediary component between the pulsed valve control system and the liquid application point. The accumulator absorbs pressure pulsations and maintains continuous liquid flow by storing liquid during high-pressure phases and releasing it during low-pressure phases, thereby mediating between the pulsed control signal and the requirement for continuous flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter of the liquid flow by using an accumulator to smooth out pressure variations. The accumulator converts the pulsed pressure signal from the valve into a more continuous pressure profile, maintaining relatively constant flow conditions despite the pulsed valve operation.
2Quantity of substance
If pump-induced fluctuations occur in liquid material flow, then liquid can be delivered through the system, but pulsation is introduced leading to inefficient dispensing
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator serves as a mediator between the pump and the liquid application system, absorbing pump-induced fluctuations and delivering smooth, continuous flow to the application point, thereby maintaining dispensing efficiency while ensuring adequate liquid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The accumulator provides beforehand cushioning by storing liquid in advance during periods of high flow and releasing it during periods of low flow, compensating for pump-induced fluctuations before they affect the dispensing process and maintaining efficient continuous operation.
3Reliability
If check valves are added to prevent backflow in a pulsed system, then liquid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accumulator performs multiple functions simultaneously: it smooths pressure pulsations, maintains continuous flow, prevents backflow, and eliminates the need for separate check valves. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable liquid flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of flow smoothing, pressure regulation, and backflow prevention into a single accumulator component, combining multiple protective and control functions that would otherwise require separate components like check valves into one integrated solution.
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 accumulator system effectively smooths out pulsations, ensuring continuous and uniform liquid application, enhancing coverage and reducing the likelihood of clogging, while eliminating the need for independent check valves.
Implementation Method 1
an accumulator is added in-line with a valve on an agricultural machine and downstream of the valve
Implementation Method 2
The accumulator system effectively smooths out pulsations, ensuring continuous and uniform liquid application
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An accumulator (119) is added in-line with a valve (109) on an agricultural machine (100) and downstream of the valve. The valve is controlled to apply liquid material to a field over which the machine is traveling.