Annular Hydraulic Spray Nozzle for Droplet and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural spray nozzles lack precise control over spray characteristics such as droplet size and application rate, which can lead to inefficient distribution of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, affecting their effectiveness and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an annular valve system within the nozzle, controlled by a controller module that uses sensors and actuation mechanisms to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the liquid, allowing for precise control over the spray characteristics based on real-time data and predefined application maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional spray nozzles are used without advanced valving systems, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and control over spray characteristics are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spray nozzle is divided into multiple functional segments: a spray valve for controlling spray portion flow, a bypass valve for controlling bleed portion flow, and a T-piece for combining these flows. This segmentation allows independent control of different liquid portions, achieving precise spray characteristics control while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Both the spray valve and bypass valve are configured as adjustable valves that can dynamically change their opening positions based on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustability enables real-time control over spray characteristics such as droplet size and application rate, transforming a static nozzle into an adaptable system that responds to varying field conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed spray parameters are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different field conditions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable spray valve and bypass valve enable dynamic modification of spray characteristics during operation. Users can adjust the opening positions to change droplet size, spray pattern, and application rate based on real-time field conditions such as crop type, terrain, and weather, providing high adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-nozzle systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls spray characteristics by changing key parameters: the spray valve adjusts spray portion flow rate and pressure to control droplet size, while the bypass valve adjusts bleed portion flow to modify overall application rate. These parameter changes allow the single nozzle to adapt to various spraying requirements across different agricultural conditions
3Loss of substance
If liquid flow is not controlled precisely, then the ease of operation is high, but the loss of substance increases due to inefficient distribution
Solution Approach 1:
Precise control of spray portion and bleed portion flow rates through adjustable valves enables accurate dosing of agricultural chemicals. By independently controlling the spray valve and bypass valve, the system optimizes liquid distribution to apply only the required amount of chemicals to target areas, minimizing runoff, drift, and waste while maintaining ease of operation through straightforward valve adjustment mechanisms
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
This solution enables precise control over the spray characteristics, ensuring optimal distribution of agricultural chemicals, improving their effectiveness and reducing waste, while allowing for continuous circulation of the liquid within the system for efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
An annular valve, such as a spray valve, is disposed in a flowpath upstream of the spray orifice and is configured to control a spray portion of the liquid flowing through the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
A bleed valve, such as a second annular valve, is disposed in the flowpath downstream of the T-piece and is configured to control a flow rate of the liquid flowing through the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
A T-piece is disposed in the flowpath upstream of the spray orifice and is configured to receive the liquid and provide a spray portion of the liquid to the spray valve and provide a bypass portion of the liquid to a bypass line
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic spray nozzle for an agricultural implement includes at least one of a bleed valve and an annular valve. The bleed valve is configured to control flow of a bleed portion of the liquid provided to the nozzle for spraying. The bleed portion can be routed back to a supply tank for later use. The bleed valve can be an annular valve. A spray valve within the nozzle can also be an annular valve.