Hydraulic Mixing Device for Sprayer Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spraying devices require significant user interaction and manual mixing of chemicals with water, exposing users to chemical concentrates and complicating the process of achieving accurate chemical concentrations for applications like lawn and garden or industrial uses.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic pump system with a main body, piston, and valve mechanism that allows for the precise mixing of a primary fluid (like water) with an additive fluid, enabling automated mixing and concentration control within a sealed device, reducing user interaction and ensuring accurate chemical dilution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual mixing devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but user exposure to chemical concentrates increases and mixing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump system performs automated mixing operations without requiring user intervention. The piston-driven mechanism automatically draws chemical concentrate from the reservoir and mixes it with the primary fluid in precise proportions, eliminating the need for manual mixing and user exposure to chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic pump system as an intermediary device between the chemical reservoir and the application system. This intermediary automates the mixing process, preventing direct user contact with chemical concentrates while maintaining precise mixing ratios.
2Device complexity
If manual mixing is required, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of chemical concentrations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing with an automated hydraulic pump system. The piston-driven mechanism provides consistent, repeatable mixing ratios by controlling the displacement volumes, ensuring precise chemical concentrations without requiring user skill or attention.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pump system autonomously maintains precise mixing ratios through its mechanical design. The piston chambers and valve mechanisms automatically ensure correct proportions of chemical concentrate to primary fluid, eliminating variability introduced by manual mixing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated hydraulic mixing is implemented, then user exposure to chemicals is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mixing function with the existing pump system. The hydraulic pump that already provides fluid power for the sprayer is utilized to also perform the mixing function, integrating multiple functions into a single device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic pump is designed to serve multiple functions: providing hydraulic power for the sprayer operations and simultaneously performing the chemical mixing function. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mixing devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining safety.
4Device complexity
If manual mixing is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump system enables continuous mixing operation as the sprayer operates. The piston-driven mechanism continuously draws chemical concentrate and mixes it with the primary fluid throughout the operation, eliminating the need for periodic manual intervention and maintaining continuous productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated mixing system performs mixing operations continuously without requiring user time or attention. The system serves itself by automatically maintaining correct chemical concentrations throughout the spraying operation, significantly improving productivity compared to manual mixing.
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 system allows for efficient, automated mixing of additives with primary fluids, ensuring accurate concentrations and minimizing user exposure to chemical concentrates, facilitating safe and reliable application in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a piston sealingly mounted in the main body for reciprocating movement in response to flow of the primary fluid through the main body
Implementation Method 2
a spring means attached thereto and responsive to the reciprocating movement of the piston for alternating the first and second valve means
Implementation Method 3
the extractor means reciprocates in response to movement of the drive piston for pumping additive fluid from a source of additive fluid through the second inlet means to the second chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
A device is designed to be coupled to a fluid supply at a first inlet, to a fluid exhaust path at an outlet, and to an additive source at a second inlet. An inlet stream of working fluid is mixed with the additive in a mixing chamber and an outlet stream of the mixed fluid exhausts from the device. The device uses a hydraulic pump employing a valve mechanism that cycles and ports the flow of fluid through the device and allows for the mixing of the working fluid in the mixing chamber. The valve mechanism is spring actuated by a linkage mechanism employing a push-pull linkages tensioned by a spring. The mixing action allows a specific quantity of additive to mix with the working fluid in the mixing chamber of the device. Thus, the outlet stream provides a mixture of a predetermined concentration of whatever additive is used.