Applicator Control Interface for Turf Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Riding applicators in the turf industry are not user-friendly, requiring extensive training and manual adjustments for operators to accurately apply fertilizers and herbicides, leading to inefficiencies and over/under application of materials due to the complexity of controlling speed, width, and flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A control system with electronically controlled gates and spray tips, coupled with an operator interface that allows for mode selection, pattern adjustment, and automatic flow regulation based on speed and turn data, reducing operator workload and enabling precise application at varying speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control methods are used for fertilizer and herbicide application, then the machine structure remains simple, but the operator workload increases and application accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control systems with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors, processors, and actuators to control fertilizer and herbicide application. The control system automatically adjusts impeller speed, gate position, and spray pump operation based on ground speed and application rate requirements, eliminating the need for manual calibration and adjustment while reducing operator workload.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system enables the machine to self-regulate its operation by automatically monitoring ground speed via sensors and adjusting material flow rates accordingly. The system self-corrects application rates without operator intervention, maintaining accurate application even when operating conditions change, thereby reducing the skill level and training required for operators.
2Manufacturing precision
If single setting is used for fertilizer spreader, then operation is simplified, but material application accuracy decreases leading to over/under application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that continuously adjusts fertilizer and herbicide application rates based on real-time ground speed measurements. The control system modifies impeller speed and gate position dynamically to maintain constant application rates regardless of speed variations, eliminating the need for multiple manual calibrations while improving application accuracy across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor ground speed and provide real-time data to the control processor. The processor calculates the required material flow rate based on monitored speed and sends corrective signals to actuators adjusting impeller speed and gate position, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precise application rates without manual intervention.
3Productivity
If constant speed operation is maintained, then calibration is simplified, but productivity decreases due to inability to adapt to varying field conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system enables dynamic speed variation while maintaining application rate consistency through real-time adjustments. The system monitors ground speed continuously and automatically modifies material flow rates to compensate for speed changes, allowing operators to vary operating speeds for productivity while the control system ensures consistent application rates are maintained throughout the field.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple controls are used for width and flow adjustment, then application precision can be improved, but operator training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines width control and flow rate control into a single integrated control system. The system simultaneously adjusts impeller speed, gate position, and spray pump operation based on a single operator input or automated calculation, eliminating the need for separate manual calibration of multiple parameters. This integration maintains precise application control while significantly reducing the complexity of operator training requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator including: a frame with hopper mounted thereon to hold and dispense a granule product, the hopper including an electronically controlled gate(s); a tank to hold a liquid product; a electronically controlled spray tip(s) to dispense the liquid product; a spray pump located between the tank and spray tip(s); an operator control interface for receiving input from an operator; a control coupled to the operator control interface, the electronically controlled gate(s), and the spray tip(s), where the control receives input, dispenses the liquid or granule product based on the input received from the operator control; where when the liquid product is dispensed, the control provides a signal to the spray tip(s) to regulate a flow of the liquid product, and when the granule product is dispensed, the control provides a signal to the electronically controlled gate(s) to regulate a flow of the granule product.