Alternating Mix Tank System for Targeted Landscape Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tractors lack efficiency in lawn treatment applications, often resulting in over- or under-treatment due to non-targeted spraying, wastage of treatments, and difficulties in alternating between different treatments without manual mixing and cleaning, leading to potential cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two mix tanks to automatically mix concentrate solutions with a solvent, using fluid level sensors to manage mixing and spraying, and includes a boom with individually actuable nozzles for targeted application, along with camera-based target identification and an auto-cleanout feature to minimize waste and ensure precise treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional tractors spray lawn treatments non-targeted, then coverage area is improved, but treatment precision deteriorates causing over- or under-treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different treatments to different locations by using multiple nozzles that can be independently controlled. Each nozzle targets specific areas with appropriate treatments based on real-time identification, ensuring precise application only where needed rather than uniform coverage across the entire area.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray system is divided into multiple independently controllable nozzles along the boom. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual nozzles or groups of nozzles to treat specific target areas while leaving other areas untreated, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and treatment precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual mixing and cleaning is used to switch between treatments, then treatment versatility is improved, but operational complexity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple concentrate tanks are pre-filled with different concentrate solutions before operation. The system automatically selects and switches between these pre-prepared concentrates based on treatment requirements, eliminating the need for manual mixing and cleaning operations while maintaining treatment versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages concentrate selection and tank switching without operator intervention. The control system monitors treatment requirements and autonomously selects appropriate concentrates from pre-filled tanks, reducing operational complexity and time consumption compared to manual mixing and cleaning processes.
3Duration of action of moving object
If concentrate is pre-mixed with solvent in large quantities, then treatment availability is improved, but material waste worsens due to over-treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous availability of multiple concentrate solutions through pre-filled tanks that can be automatically switched between. This continuous readiness eliminates the need to pre-mix large quantities of diluted solutions, as concentrates remain concentrated and stable in storage tanks until needed, reducing material waste while ensuring treatment availability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of pre-mixing entire batches of diluted treatment solutions, the system stores only concentrated solutions in manageable quantities and applies them in controlled amounts as needed. This partial mixing approach (mixing only when and where needed) reduces material waste while maintaining sufficient treatment availability through the multi-tank system.
4Device complexity
If single mix tank is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into multiple mix tanks that can operate independently and simultaneously. This segmentation allows automatic switching between tanks based on treatment requirements, eliminating manual intervention and improving productivity. The additional complexity of multiple tanks is offset by the automation benefits and increased operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of tank quantity from one to multiple, enabling automatic selection and switching based on treatment parameters. This parameter change increases device complexity but simultaneously improves productivity by eliminating manual mixing and cleaning operations, allowing continuous automated operation with multiple treatment options.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for efficient material application. An example landscape treatment apparatus includes a main carrier tank to store a solvent, a concentrate tank to store a solute, and a first mix tank to receive the solvent and the solute as a first mixture. The example apparatus further includes a second mix tank to receive the solvent and the solute as a second mixture, where the first mix tank is to receive the solvent and the solute in alternation with the second mix tank receiving the solvent and the solute. The example apparatus also includes a boom to apply the first mixture and the second mixture to a landscape via a plurality of nozzles, where the boom is to apply the first mixture and the second mixture in alternation.