Fluid Metering Component for Spraying Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spraying apparatuses lack advanced metering capabilities for monitoring and controlling the dispensation of liquids, such as pesticides, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential misuse, particularly in terms of location and quantity.
Innovation Solution
A portable spraying apparatus equipped with an intelligent metering device that includes a housing, isolated fluid conduit, metering assembly, and electronics assembly, featuring GPS, flow rate sensors, and communication modules to track and record dispensation data, including GPS coordinates, flow rates, and volume, and provide feedback to connected electronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional spraying apparatuses are used without advanced metering capabilities, then the device complexity is low and ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision of liquid dispensation is insufficient leading to inefficiencies and potential misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the metering assembly, electronics assembly with GPS and flow rate sensors, and fluid conduit into a single integrated housing. This merging of previously separate components (metering mechanism, electronics, and fluid pathways) into one unified device achieves precise liquid dispensation monitoring while managing the inherent complexity through systematic integration rather than separate distributed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the metering assembly for flow control, houses the electronics assembly with GPS and sensors for data collection, provides structural support, and acts as the external interface for the spraying apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Measurement precision
If an intelligent metering device with GPS and flow rate sensors is implemented, then measurement precision and monitoring capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: the metering assembly with valve and flow control mechanism, the electronics assembly with GPS receiver and sensors, and the isolated fluid conduit system. Each module can be manufactured and tested independently before final integration, simplifying the manufacturing process despite the advanced capabilities required.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics assembly and metering assembly are nested within the housing structure, with the isolated fluid conduit passing through or alongside these components. The GPS receiver, sensors, and metering mechanisms are arranged in a nested configuration within the compact housing, allowing efficient use of space and simplified assembly sequences.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring and feedback systems are added to the spraying apparatus, then productivity and efficiency are improved through optimized usage, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metering assembly automatically regulates fluid flow based on pre-programmed parameters stored in the electronics assembly, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment or monitoring. The system self-regulates dispensation rates and volumes, and the GPS system automatically tracks location data, reducing the energy and operational input required from the user while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate sensor continuously monitors actual dispensation and feeds this data back to the controller, which compares it against target parameters and automatically adjusts the metering valve position. This closed-loop feedback system optimizes spraying efficiency by ensuring accurate application rates without requiring constant manual intervention or high energy consumption for active control.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid metering device including a housing, an isolated fluid conduit, a metering assembly, an electronics assembly, and a power assembly. An electronic device can be wirelessly connected to the metering device so as to quantify the fluid that is passing through the isolated fluid conduit. Alternatively, this can be performed by the electronics assembly and then transmitted to the electronic device. Portable spraying apparatuses are also disclosed and can include the fluid metering device. In example embodiments, other data can be captured and/or calculated such as sprayer locations, sprayed locations, type of fluid sprayed, images of the intended-to-be-sprayed subject, and/or other information pertinent as desired. In some example embodiments, the electronic device in combination with the fluid metering device can predict the chances of volatilization of the fluid based on specific environmental conditions and the fluid temperature. Finally, the sprayer and sprayed locations can be overlayed onto a map.