Hydraulic Spray Nozzle With Annular Valves and Bleed Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural spray nozzles lack precise control over spray characteristics such as droplet size and application rate, leading to inefficiencies in the distribution of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, as existing systems rely on non-precise flow control and pressure management.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an agricultural spraying system with annular valves and sensors that control the flow and pressure of liquid through a nozzle, allowing for precise adjustment of the spray characteristics by actuating bleed and spray valves based on real-time data from pressure sensors and flow meters, ensuring optimal droplet size and application rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional spray nozzles are used without precise flow control, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision of spray characteristics (droplet size and application rate) is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The spray control system is segmented into multiple independent components: a flow control valve for regulating overall liquid flow, a bleed valve for controlling bypass flow, and an orifice valve for precise spray orifice control. Each valve can be independently actuated to achieve precise spray characteristics while maintaining manageable individual component complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of spray characteristics through electronically controllable valves that can adjust their opening positions in real-time based on feedback from pressure sensors and flow meters. This dynamic adjustment capability enables precise control of droplet size and application rate, transforming a static nozzle into an adaptive spray system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple valves and sensors are added for precise control, then the measurement precision of flow and pressure is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors positioned upstream and downstream of the orifice valve, along with flow meters, to continuously monitor liquid flow conditions. This feedback information is used by the control system to dynamically adjust the valve positions, ensuring precise measurement and control of spray parameters while optimizing the relationship between measurement precision and system complexity.
3Productivity
If flow control valves are added to the nozzle, then the productivity of spraying application is improved through precise control, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex valve actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The spray control system operates autonomously using electronic actuators that automatically adjust the flow control valve, bleed valve, and orifice valve positions based on feedback from sensors and pre-programmed control logic. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual valve adjustment, improving spraying productivity while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.
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 solution enables precise control over the spray characteristics, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural spraying by ensuring consistent and targeted application of chemicals, improving crop management and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor disposed on the spray path and configured to generate pressure data regarding the spray portion
Implementation Method 2
a flow meter disposed in the nozzle body and configured to generate flow data regarding the spray portion
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic spray nozzle for an agricultural implement includes at least one of a bleed valve and an annular valve. The bleed valve is configured to control flow of a bleed portion of the liquid provided to the nozzle for spraying. The bleed portion can be routed back to a supply tank for later use. The bleed valve can be an annular valve. A spray valve within the nozzle can also be an annular valve.