Brine Delivery Pump Control for Speed-Independent Road Dosing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing brine delivery systems face challenges in accurately dispensing brine and salt on roadways under contaminated conditions, especially during winter operations, due to the use of highly contaminated brine and the need for precise electronic controls that are hindered by harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A material calculator and variable flow positive displacement pump system that calculates and dispenses a predetermined quantity of brine and salt per mile, independent of truck speed, using a processor and hydraulic pump assembly to ensure complete brine depletion and controlled salt distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic controls and feedback loops are used for precise brine dispensing, then delivery accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to harsh contaminated conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic controls and feedback loops with a mechanical material calculator system. The material calculator uses mechanical components including a processor with software, hydraulic pump, and variable flow positive displacement pump to calculate and dispense brine and salt without relying on electronic sensors or feedback mechanisms that would fail in contaminated winter conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The material calculator acts as an intermediary between the brine storage and dispensing system. It receives input parameters (route miles, brine gallons, salt pounds) and mechanically computes the required dispensing rates, translating operational requirements into controlled material flow without needing direct electronic feedback from the dispensing points.
2Adaptability or versatility
If brine is dispensed at variable truck speeds, then operational flexibility is improved, but delivery precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a variable flow positive displacement pump that can dynamically adjust its flow rate in response to changing truck speeds. The pump control unit modifies the pump's displacement or speed to maintain the calculated brine delivery rate (gallons per mile) regardless of whether the truck is moving slowly or quickly, ensuring precise delivery while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If complete brine depletion is achieved, then material efficiency is improved, but control difficulty increases under contaminated conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The material calculator performs preliminary calculations before the route begins, determining the exact brine and salt dispensing rates needed to deplete all brine by the end of the route. The operator inputs the total brine gallons and route miles, and the system pre-calculates the dispensing schedule, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustments or monitoring during operation.
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
Ensures accurate and efficient delivery of brine and salt on roadways, ensuring the truck returns with empty brine tanks and achieving the desired ice and snow control, despite contaminated brine and harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a variable flow positive displacement pump assembly (24) that pumps brine from a brine tank (28) and comprising a pair of cylinder assemblies having a single rod assembly reciprocating therebetween, one cylinder assembly in fluid connection with hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
variable flow positive displacement pump assembly (24) that pumps brine from a brine tank (28)
Implementation Method 3
Brine is delivered from the intermediate flow brine manifold assembly (26) via the output delivery line to a spray nozzle assembly (30) for spraying the brine
Data Source
AI summary
A material calculator for a truck to deliver a predetermined quantity of brine per mile driven by the truck for a known route of miles independent of and proportional to truck speed, wherein the truck carries a known number of gallons of brine and a known number of pounds of salt. The material calculator has a processor accepting entry values of route miles to be driven, number of times the route of miles is to be driven, number of gallons of brine carried by the truck, and the number of pounds of salt carried by the truck. The processor has software for calculating dispensing of the brine and salt so that each is exhausted when the route is completed. A hydraulic pump pumps hydraulic fluid to a variable flow positive displacement pump to implement the calculated number of gallons of brine per mile to be dispensed for the known route.