Modular Sprayer Valve Blocks for One-Handed Pattern Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid spray guns require manual adjustment of nozzles for different spray patterns, leading to inconvenience, fatigue, and potential over-penetration of nearby targets, resulting in suboptimal performance and herbicide wastage.
Innovation Solution
A modular, customizable fluid spray apparatus with interchangeable inlet, outlet, and valve blocks, allowing for various configurations such as dual-inlet dual-outlet, single-inlet dual-outlet, and injector-style arrangements, enabling quick pattern changes and fluid transitions with a single hand, and featuring safety selectors and multiple actuators for enhanced control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual nozzle adjustment is used to change spray patterns, then spray pattern versatility is improved, but user convenience and operation ease deteriorate due to the need to disengage from the pumping lever and physically manipulate the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spray pattern control through an adjustable nozzle mechanism that allows real-time pattern changes without manual disassembly. The nozzle can be adjusted from a straight stream pattern to a fan-type pattern while maintaining connection to the pumping lever, enabling users to switch between patterns without breaking their operational flow or risking herbicide contact.
2Ease of operation
If the nozzle is kept in the straight stream setting to avoid manual adjustment, then operation simplicity is improved, but spray performance deteriorates due to over-penetration of nearby targets and herbicide wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable nozzle mechanism enables users to dynamically select between straight stream and fan-type patterns based on target distance and type. For nearby targets, users can switch to fan-type pattern to prevent over-penetration and reduce herbicide waste, while maintaining simple operation through integrated controls that require minimal effort to adjust.
3Device complexity
If fixed nozzle configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different spray applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with integrated adjustment capability that allows users to switch between straight stream and fan-type patterns without adding significant complexity to the device. The adjustment mechanism is built into the nozzle assembly itself, enabling versatile spray applications for both distant and nearby targets while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid spray system is disclosed, featuring a modular design with interchangeable components. The system includes multiple inlet, outlet, and valve blocks, each with distinct configurations, allowing for customizable fluid flow paths. The valve blocks contain actuators that selectively connect the inlet and outlet blocks via tubes, facilitating fluid transfer. The sprayer housing, which houses the valve block, has an inlet and outlet opening for the inlet and outlet blocks, and includes a handle portion with a hollow handle guard. The system allows for precise control of fluid flow through separate inlet and outlet tubes positioned within the housing. The design includes safety features such as a safety selector to prevent accidental operation and trigger placement for ease of use. The system's modularity enables flexibility for different spraying applications, making it suitable for a wide range of fluid dispensing needs.