Multi-slot Table for Dynamic Sprayer Nozzle Testing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current slot tables used for assessing agricultural sprayer nozzles only measure transverse uniformity of liquid distribution, failing to account for the dynamic characteristics and longitudinal distribution, which are crucial for ensuring precise and uniform pesticide application, and are prone to significant measurement errors.

Innovation Solution

A multi-slot table with a revolving head and movable sections that simulate the movement of a sprayer boom, allowing for precise measurement of both transverse and longitudinal uniformity, incorporating a hydraulic system and corrosion-resistant materials, and enabling testing at various working speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a static slot table is used for nozzle testing, then the measurement setup is simple, but it cannot simulate the dynamic characteristics and movement of the sprayer boom, leading to inaccurate longitudinal distribution measurements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of measurement setupVSAvoidaccuracy of longitudinal distribution measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the static slot table into a movable system that can simulate the movement of the sprayer boom. The slot table is mounted on a movable platform that can move along the longitudinal axis, allowing the system to replicate the dynamic conditions of actual sprayer operation and enable accurate longitudinal distribution measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the copying principle by creating a simplified model of the sprayer boom movement through the movable slot table platform. Instead of testing the actual sprayer in complex field conditions, the system copies the essential movement characteristics on a controlled test bench, enabling accurate measurement of longitudinal distribution while maintaining measurement simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Device complexity

If traditional slot tables are used, then only transverse uniformity can be measured, but longitudinal distribution assessment is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidlongitudinal distribution data
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by adding longitudinal measurement capability to the traditional slot table. The movable platform introduces a new degree of freedom along the longitudinal axis, transforming the measurement system from purely transverse (one-dimensional) to include both transverse and longitudinal dimensions (two-dimensional), thereby enabling comprehensive assessment of spray distribution uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If manual slot tables are used with fixed profiles, then the structure is simple, but they cannot account for air stream influence and movement effects on spray distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidaccuracy under real working conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the pneumatics and hydraulics principle by using a water flow system to simulate the spray liquid behavior under movement conditions. The hydraulic setup allows controlled flow through the slot table while it moves, replicating the dynamic interaction between spray liquid and air streams that occurs during actual sprayer operation, thereby improving measurement reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 accurate assessment of nozzle performance by measuring longitudinal uniformity and improving precision in transverse uniformity measurements, simulating real-world conditions and accounting for the influence of air stream and movement, thus ensuring effective pesticide application and reducing environmental and health risks.

Implementation Method 1

a hydraulic system made up of hoses connecting the nozzles with a pump, preferably a multi-stage pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic system: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

the bottom of which is embossed so that it is divided into two zones inclined at an angle of not less than 2°, preferably 5° to the horizontal. The bottom of each slot is additionally inclined towards the measuring vessel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 3

a multi-stage pump, which is immersed in a tank of liquid, preferably attached to the support frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Data Source

PatentEP4223118A1Multi-slot table
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 UNIV PRZYRODNICZY W POZNANIU
  • EP4223118A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4223118A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4223118A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A multi-slot table comprising at least one set of test profiles (slots) with measuring vessels attached to them that comprises at least three, preferably five, measuring sections mounted on the support frame, each of which is a set of longitudinal test profiles (slots) closed at least on one side, with measuring vessels detachably connected to them, along the mutually juxtaposed measuring sections at least one guide is mounted, on which at least one trolley of at least one arm connected to the spraying boom is slidably placed, with sockets for spraying nozzles being placed in its lower plane, the spraying nozzles to be inspected are screwed into the sockets made in the spraying boom and are supplied with the working liquid by a hydraulic system made up of hoses connecting the nozzles with a pump, preferably a multi-stage pump which is immersed in a tank of liquid, preferably attached to the support frame, or a hydraulic system is connected to the water supply by a solenoid valve with a regulated flow.