Electrostatic Spray Nozzle Holder with Spaced Electrode Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic spray nozzles used in agriculture suffer from inefficiencies in droplet deposition due to re-attraction of charged droplets to the induction electrode, leading to wetting and short circuits, which reduces the effectiveness and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
An induction device with an electrode holder and attachment legs fixed within tubular structures creates a finite distance between the electrode and the nozzle, preventing continuous liquid film formation and reducing the risk of short circuits, while allowing for efficient electrification of droplets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the induction electrode is positioned close to the spray nozzle for effective electrification, then droplet charging efficiency is improved, but liquid accumulates on the electrode causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The induction electrode is divided into multiple separate induction electrodes positioned at different locations around the spray nozzle. This segmentation allows each electrode to be positioned optimally for electrification while preventing liquid accumulation that would cause short circuits between electrodes or between electrodes and the nozzle body.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction electrodes are positioned in three-dimensional space around the spray nozzle rather than in a single plane. This spatial distribution allows effective electrification of droplets while maintaining distance between electrodes to prevent liquid bridge formation and short circuits.
2Reliability
If the induction electrode is protected from wetting with sophisticated devices, then short circuit risk is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The induction electrode is extracted from direct contact with the spray nozzle and positioned separately in the droplet formation zone. This extraction eliminates the need for sophisticated protection devices while preventing short circuits through proper spatial positioning and segmentation of the electrode structure.
3Reliability
If constant airflow is used to prevent electrode wetting, then short circuit risk is reduced, but droplet drift from target increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple induction electrodes positioned around the spray nozzle create distributed electric fields that effectively charge droplets without requiring constant airflow. The segmented electrode arrangement prevents liquid accumulation on individual electrodes while maintaining droplet trajectory accuracy.
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 device enhances droplet deposition by reducing short circuits and electrical consumption, increasing efficiency and reducing costs, while maintaining effective electrification of droplets for improved target attraction.
Implementation Method 1
an induction phenomenon occurs and the surface of the target plant acquires signal charges opposite to that of the droplets
Implementation Method 2
The mutual repulsion between droplets that have the same polarity also contributes to improved distribution of the liquid
Implementation Method 3
if the electrified drop assumes a curvilinear movement, the drop can be deposited on the backside of the target plant
Data Source
AI summary
An induction device for electrification of droplets of hydraulic nozzles comprises: an electrode comprising one or more attachment legs; and an induction electrode holder configured to receive the electrode, wherein the one or more attachment legs are fixed within tubular structures of the induction electrode holder, and wherein a finite distance is formed between an outer surface of each attachment leg in the one or more attachment legs and an inner surface of each tube of the tubular structures.