Offset Ball Valve With Dual Passages for Row Unit Flow Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling and monitoring liquid applications in agricultural fields, particularly with planters, is challenging due to the difficulty in managing flow rates across different row units, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in fertilizer and chemical distribution.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control and monitoring system that includes an offset ball valve with multiple openings and dual passages, allowing for variable flow rates and precise monitoring through flow meters, enabling linear response across a wide range of operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional single passage valve is used for liquid application, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and measurement precision of flow rates are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single passage is divided into multiple passages (first passage, second passage, third passage), each equipped with its own flow meter. This segmentation allows independent measurement of flow rates in different branches, improving overall measurement precision while distributing the complexity across modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve structure is designed to control flow distribution to multiple passages simultaneously, making it a multi-functional device that can regulate flow to different row units independently. This universal flow control capability improves measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Productivity
If flow control is applied to each row unit independently, then the productivity and precision of liquid application are improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid application system is segmented into multiple independent passages, each with its own flow meter and control capability. This allows independent flow control for different row units, improving productivity and precision by enabling targeted application to specific field zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of flow rate parameters for each passage, allowing optimization of liquid application for different row units based on field variability. This parameter control improves productivity while the modular design manages complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple passages with flow meters are implemented, then the measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple separate passages with individual flow meters, allowing each component to be manufactured and calibrated independently. This segmentation improves measurement precision while potentially simplifying manufacturing by using standardized, modular flow meter components that can be assembled into the passage structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems and devices for controlling and monitoring liquid applications of agricultural fields. In one embodiment, a flow device for controlling flow during an agricultural operation includes an offset ball valve having multiple openings that rotate in position to control flow of a liquid through the offset ball valve to an outlet passage. The flow device also includes a first passage that provides a first flow path from an inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve and second passage that provides a second flow path from the inlet to at least one opening of the offset ball valve.