Inflatable Hose Closure for Manure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid manure distribution systems face challenges in reliably controlling the discharge of liquid manure laden with solids, as air currents impair nozzle functionality and manual shut-off of hoses is inefficient, especially when dealing with non-uniform field widths requiring adjustable application widths.
Innovation Solution
A hose line switch with a cylindrical housing and an inflatable rubber element that acts as a switch, allowing for remote-controlled and adjustable shut-off of discharge hoses by controlling internal pressure, enabling targeted and partial pipeline opening for controlled manure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ball valves are used to shut off discharge hoses manually, then the shut-off function is achieved, but the operation efficiency is low and manual effort is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical ball valve operation with a pneumatic control system. An inflatable closure element is actuated by compressed air delivered through a control line, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated pneumatic actuation. This allows remote control and significantly improves operation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element is designed to be self-actuating through pneumatic pressure. When compressed air is supplied to the interior of the closure element, it automatically inflates and closes the discharge hose without requiring direct manual intervention. The system serves itself through the pneumatic actuation mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage is designed for maximum working width, then adaptability to different field widths is improved, but the device complexity increases due to section control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge system is divided into multiple independently controllable sections, each with its own closure element. This segmentation allows individual hoses to be shut off or throttled independently, enabling flexible adjustment of the active working width without requiring a completely different linkage design. Each section can be controlled separately to match field width requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure elements can be dynamically adjusted between fully open, partially closed, and fully closed states through variable pneumatic pressure control. This dynamic control capability allows the system to adapt to different working width requirements in real-time, providing versatility without fixed mechanical configurations.
3Ease of operation
If air currents are blown into the distributor pipe to control liquid manure flow, then the discharge control is achieved, but the nozzle functionality is impaired due to contact with aggressive liquid manure
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is extracted from the discharge path. Instead of using air currents that must mix with and pass through the liquid manure flow, the invention uses pneumatic actuation of closure elements that are physically separated from the manure stream. The control air is contained within the closure element, preventing contact with aggressive manure substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure element acts as an intermediary between the pneumatic control system and the liquid manure flow. It transmits the control function from the compressed air (mediator) to the discharge hose without requiring direct contact between the control medium and the aggressive manure, thereby protecting the nozzle functionality.
4Ease of manufacture
If flexible structures are used to shut off hoses, then ease of installation is improved, but solid bodies of liquid manure collect on the structure impeding the closing process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pulling or blocking devices with a pneumatic inflation system. The closure element is actuated by internal pneumatic pressure rather than external mechanical forces, eliminating the need for complex mechanical structures that could collect solids. The pneumatic actuation provides reliable closing action without mechanical components that could be impeded by solid particles.
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
Enables efficient, remote-controlled shut-off of discharge hoses, preventing over-fertilization and allowing for adjustable application widths, improving operational efficiency and reducing manual effort, while maintaining reliability even with solids-laden manure.
Implementation Method 1
When pressure medium is introduced via a supply line 14, the rubber element 10 assumes a position so that no liquid manure can be discharged
Implementation Method 2
the rubber element 10 located inside the wall 11 of the hose. In its expanded state, namely when pressure medium is introduced
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The pipe connector comprises a tubular sleeve (11), into whose ends (12, 13) the pipes fit. A balloon (10) is mounted inside the sleeve with its neck held between one of the pipes and the sleeve. It can be inflated through a hose (14) in the neck to shut off flow through the connector.