Modular Distributed Pump System for Uniform Agricultural Fluid Application
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid metering systems for agricultural applications face challenges such as complexity, cost inefficiency, and uneven application rates due to the need for customized pumps and plumbing arrangements, leading to non-uniform spray distributions and increased environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A distributed pump system with multiple fluid distribution elements and a control unit that monitors flow parameters, allowing for adaptive and automated control of fluid distribution, enabling precise and uniform application of multiple solutions across a wide range of agricultural implements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single main supply line pump is used to provide flow for all functions, then system complexity is reduced, but spray uniformity and application precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single pump system into multiple segmentable pump units that can be independently controlled. Each pump unit serves a specific zone or function, allowing independent flow rate adjustment and pressure control, thereby achieving uniform spray distribution while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamically adjustable pump units with variable speed motors and electronic control systems. This allows real-time modification of flow rates and pressures to compensate for elevation changes, boom positioning, and field conditions, ensuring consistent spray uniformity across varying operational scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual pumps and manifolds are employed to allow two different applications, then application versatility is improved, but pressure control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback control systems with pressure sensors and electronic controllers that continuously monitor and adjust pump output. This closed-loop control enables independent regulation of multiple pump units, maintaining stable pressure despite varying flow demands from different application zones, thereby managing complexity through intelligent control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal pump units that can handle different fluid types and application requirements through standardized interfaces and controllable flow characteristics. This multi-functional design allows a single pump model to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for specialized components while maintaining application versatility.
3Quantity of substance
If pump size is increased to accommodate full line implement widths, then flow capacity is improved, but cost and efficiency worsen for smaller implements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the total flow requirement into multiple smaller pump units, each capable of independent operation. This allows the system to be configured with the appropriate number of pump units for each implement width, avoiding the need for oversized pumps on smaller implements and achieving cost efficiency through right-sized capacity matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable speed pump units that can dynamically adjust their output to match the actual flow requirements of the implement configuration. This dynamic capability allows a single pump model to efficiently serve multiple implement widths by operating at different capacity levels, eliminating the need for multiple pump sizes.
4Device complexity
If conventional plumbing arrangements are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but application precision and uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical plumbing arrangements with an integrated system combining electrically controlled pump units, electronic flow meters, and digital control algorithms. This substitution enables precise measurement and control of fluid delivery to each zone, achieving high application precision while managing complexity through electronic rather than purely mechanical means.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A liquid metering system (750) for an agricultural implement (10, 710) is modular, having one or more metering pumps (752) for each crop row. The motors (754) and pumps (752) are individually controlled for precise application of the liquid input and are preferable electrically driven. A controller (770) is configured to send commands including both positional and time components to the motors (754). The motors (754) respond to the commands by changing in position, e.g., an angular position, across the given time.