Independent Pump Segmentation for Slope Manure Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional agricultural vehicle manure conveying arrangements face issues with pressure increase due to abrasive ingredients in liquid manure, leading to increased wear and maintenance needs, and difficulties in precise application on slopes, resulting in deviations from target manure distribution.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates two independently switchable pumps and directional control valves, allowing for independent pressurization of each distributor head and optional circulation mode, along with tubular longitudinal beams with corrosion-resistant coatings, to manage pressure and ensure precise manure distribution across slopes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If the cross section of the tubular frame is increased to counteract pressure increase from powerful pump devices, then the pressure in the delivery arrangement is reduced, but the dead weight of the vehicle increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure in delivery arrangementVSAvoiddead weight of vehicle
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying arrangement is divided into multiple independent pressure lines, each with its own pump and directional control valve. This segmentation allows pressure to be managed locally in each zone rather than requiring the entire frame to handle maximum pressure, enabling lighter frame construction while maintaining pressure control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses independently switchable directional control valves that can dynamically route manure flow between different pressure lines based on operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the system to optimize pressure distribution and reduce peak pressures in individual lines, reducing the need for oversized frame sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple distributor heads are used for larger working widths, then the productivity is improved, but the complexity of the conveying arrangement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking widthVSAvoidconveying arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conveying arrangement is divided into multiple independent pressure lines, each serving a specific distributor head. Each pressure line has its own pump and directional control valve, allowing independent operation and control of each distributor head. This segmentation enables the system to handle multiple distributor heads without requiring a single complex centralized control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The directional control valves are designed to perform multiple functions: they can route manure to different distributor heads, enable circulation mode, and control flow direction based on operational requirements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each distributor head, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the system operates on slopes, then the productivity is maintained, but the distribution precision deteriorates due to pressure differences between downhill and uphill distributor heads

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanure application rateVSAvoidmanure distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the conveying arrangement into multiple independent pressure lines, each with its own directional control valve upstream of the distributor heads. This segmentation allows independent pressure control for each distributor head, enabling compensation for gravitational pressure differences on slopes and ensuring uniform manure distribution across uphill and downhill positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The independently switchable directional control valves allow the system to monitor and adjust pressure distribution in real-time. By controlling the flow direction and pressure in each pressure line independently, the system can compensate for slope-induced pressure variations and maintain precise manure application rates across different elevations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 dosing and application of liquid manure, reduces wear, and maintains consistent distribution volumes across slopes, while reducing the vehicle's dead weight and enhancing off-road mobility.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure line for conveying the liquid manure from the tank to a distributor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

at least two distributor heads for spreading the fertilizer on an agricultural area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentEP2289300B1Conveyer for farm fertilizers
Publication Date: 2014.09.10 ZUNHAMMER SEBASTIAN
  • EP2289300B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The arrangement (1) has a tubular frame with longitudinal beams (10, 11) and cross beams, serving as a tank (2). The longitudinal beams are designed for conveying of fertilizer. A tank is filled with the fertilizer and supported by the tank. Two distributor heads (14, 15) apply the fertilizer on a farm area. Two pumps (6, 7) e.g. rotary piston pumps, the longitudinal beams that are formed as pressure lines and two way valves (12, 13) e.g. 3/2 valves, are provided upstream to the distributor heads. The control valves are switched independent of each other.