Fixed Spray System Using Pressurized Air for Liquid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for applying liquids to specific areas, such as crops or orchards, are inefficient in delivering the desired amount of liquid as they require continuous pumping, which wastes resources and increases application time.
Innovation Solution
A fixed spray application system utilizing a liquid reservoir, check valve, and pressurized air to transport liquid through a network of tubes and spray heads, allowing for efficient delivery by priming the system with a smaller amount of liquid and using compressed air to dispense it evenly across the area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If continuous pumping is used to deliver liquid, then the liquid can be delivered continuously, but resources are wasted and application time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by implementing a batch delivery mechanism where liquid is loaded into a reservoir, pressurized with air, and discharged in a single pulse through a check valve. This eliminates continuous pumping, reducing both application time and liquid waste while maintaining effective delivery to the spray heads.
2Ease of operation
If a check valve is used to control liquid flow, then liquid can be delivered in controlled pulses, but the system requires pressurization infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies pneumatics by using compressed air to pressurize the liquid in the reservoir. The air pressure forces the liquid through the check valve and to the spray heads. This pneumatic approach provides simple, reliable pulse control without requiring complex mechanical pumping or valve actuation systems.
3Quantity of substance
If liquid is stored in a reservoir before application, then precise amounts can be delivered, but the system requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through the check valve, which automatically controls liquid discharge based on pressure differential. When air pressurizes the reservoir, the check valve opens automatically to allow liquid flow; when pressure equalizes, it closes automatically. This eliminates the need for external valve actuators or complex control mechanisms.
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
This method significantly reduces the amount of liquid needed per application and decreases application time by using compressed air to evacuate the liquid from the system, achieving efficient and precise distribution of water or pesticides.
Implementation Method 1
The check valve has an inlet side connected to the second end of the liquid reservoir and an outlet side and is operable to permit the passage of liquid from the inlet side to the outlet side upon pressurization of the liquid above a threshold pressurization level
Implementation Method 2
providing pressurized air through the first tube to pressurize the liquid in the liquid reservoir above the threshold pressurization level of the check valve
Implementation Method 3
thereby transporting liquid from the liquid reservoir, through the check valve and through the first spray head
Data Source
AI summary
A fixed spray application system generally includes tubing, one or more spray heads, one or more brackets, one or more connectors and one or more fluid reservoirs. One or more of the spray heads may be suspended from a tube below one of the connectors and below one of the reservoirs. A tube may extend from below one of the reservoirs to another spray head supported by one of the brackets. In use, the system may be suspended from trellis wires in an agricultural field. Water, pesticides or other liquids are supplied to the system through the tubing. The size of the reservoirs and the volume of tubing can be selected to hold the desired amount of liquid for a given application. After the system is primed with liquid, the tubing is connected to a source of pressurized air. The air is supplied to the system at a sufficient pressure so as to force the liquid from the system through the spray heads.