Electro-hydraulic spray gun actuation for line striping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional line striping systems suffer from inconsistency and inaccuracy in line application due to slow reaction times of compressed air-actuated spray nozzles, leading to operator fatigue and increased complexity and weight from air compressors.
Innovation Solution
An electro-hydraulic actuation system that combines a hydraulic system with electric actuators to control hydraulic actuators, allowing for precise and rapid activation of spray guns, reducing the need for compressed air and enhancing operator control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compressed air is used to actuate spray nozzles, then the system is simple to operate, but the reaction time is slow leading to inconsistent line lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces compressed air actuation with hydraulic actuation using fluid pressure to drive the spray nozzle mechanism. This hydraulic system provides faster and more consistent actuation response, eliminating the slow reaction time associated with compressed air while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electro-hydraulic actuation system that uses electrical signals to control hydraulic valves, replacing the purely mechanical compressed air system. This substitution enables precise control of actuation timing and duration, significantly improving line consistency and response speed.
2Ease of operation
If air compressors are added to the system, then compressed air actuation is enabled, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the existing hydraulic system already present in self-propelled line stripers for propulsion purposes. By repurposing this hydraulic infrastructure to also actuate the spray nozzles, the system eliminates the need for separate air compressors, reducing overall weight and complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If manual lever operation is used, then operator control is direct, but operator fatigue increases due to simultaneous pushing and spraying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual lever operation with an electro-hydraulic actuation system controlled by electric switches or buttons. This allows the operator to activate spray nozzles without physical leverage, reducing hand fatigue and enabling easier simultaneous control of propulsion and spraying functions.
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 electro-hydraulic actuation system improves the consistency and accuracy of line application, reduces operator fatigue, and simplifies the system by eliminating the need for air compressors, resulting in a more efficient and intuitive line striping process.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic system is for pressurizing a hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
The electric actuator controls actuation of the hydraulic actuator by the hydraulic system
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-hydraulic actuation system for a sprayer comprises a hydraulic system, a hydraulic actuator, an electric actuator and a sprayer. The hydraulic system is for pressurizing a hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic actuator is powered by the hydraulic system. The electric actuator controls actuation of the hydraulic actuator by the hydraulic system. The sprayer is actuated by the hydraulic actuator.