Electric Valve with Capacitor Store for Agricultural Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural spraying machines face challenges with pneumatic and hydraulic valve systems due to high space requirements, increased costs, slow control flexibility, and complex individual nozzle control, especially when dealing with large booms and numerous spray nozzles, which can lead to overloading of the on-board system and reduced operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electrically operated valve system with an energy store that provides power to the actuator, allowing for quick and precise control of spray nozzles, minimizing peak current draw and power consumption, and featuring a capacitor energy storage for robustness and compactness, along with a switchable electrical bypass for efficient power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic or hydraulic controls are used for spray nozzles, then robustness against mechanical vibrations is improved, but space requirements increase due to supply lines and additional devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pneumatic or hydraulic control systems with an electrical control system. The electrical actuator receives control signals via electrical lines instead of requiring pneumatic/hydraulic supply lines, pressure generators, and accumulators. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical control infrastructure while maintaining control functionality, thereby reducing space requirements without sacrificing robustness.
2Reliability
If pneumatic or hydraulic controls are used for spray nozzles, then robustness against mechanical vibrations is improved, but control speed and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical actuator responds to electrical control signals with significantly faster response times compared to pneumatic or hydraulic systems. Electrical signals can be transmitted and acted upon almost instantaneously, enabling rapid adjustment of spray nozzle positions and flow rates. This electrical control mechanism eliminates the delays inherent in mechanical fluid-based systems, achieving both high speed and flexibility while maintaining robustness through proper electrical shielding and routing.
3Measurement precision
If individual control of spray nozzles is implemented, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into modular units, with each spray nozzle or group of nozzles controlled by its own dedicated electrical actuator. This segmentation allows for independent control of each nozzle while using standardized electrical control components. The modular approach enables precise individual control without requiring a monolithic complex control system, as each module can be independently configured and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an on-board computer as an intermediary that manages the control signals to multiple actuators. This central control unit coordinates the operation of individual actuators, enabling precise control of each spray nozzle while simplifying the overall control architecture. The on-board computer processes control commands and distributes appropriate signals to individual actuators, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from direct wiring and control of each nozzle independently.
4Measurement precision
If a large number of valves with electrical actuators are used, then control precision is improved, but power consumption increases leading to system overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical actuators are designed to operate in periodic cycles rather than continuously. Each actuator receives power in short bursts to adjust the valve position, then operates passively to maintain that position. This periodic operation dramatically reduces average power consumption compared to continuous power supply, enabling the use of numerous individually controlled valves without overloading the on-board electrical system while maintaining precise control capability when needed.
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
The solution enables robust, efficient, and precise control of spray nozzles, reducing power consumption and preventing overloading of the on-board system, ensuring reliable operation even without a continuous external power supply, and allowing for precise dosing and area-specific spraying.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical energy store (108) which provides electrical energy for operating the actuator (82)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve (30) for agricultural spraying machines. Said valve serves to control a flow rate of a spray medium as a function of a valve position. For this purpose, the valve (30) has an electrically operated actuator which can vary the valve position of the valve (30). It is provided that the valve (30) has an electrical energy store which stores electrical energy for operating the actuator.