Multiple Nozzle Holder With Isolated Valve Control for Continuous Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural spraying systems face challenges with nozzle selection, as changing nozzles requires manual intervention and interrupts spraying, and the mechanical components in contact with the fluid lead to contamination and reduced device lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A fog holder design with a peripheral distribution chamber and a mobile circular tray with high and low border portions, allowing for remote and automatic control of valves without interrupting the spraying process, while minimizing mechanical components in contact with the fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If mechanical components are immersed in the sprayed fluid to enable automatic nozzle selection, then automated control of multiple nozzles is achieved, but the mechanical components are contaminated by the fluid and their service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle holder is divided into two separate compartments: a first compartment housing the mechanical selection mechanism (circular plate with contact surfaces) and a second compartment housing the fluid distribution system (distribution chamber and nozzles). This segmentation isolates the mechanical components from the sprayed fluid, preventing contamination while enabling automated control through the peripheral edge contact mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral edge of the circular plate acts as an intermediary element that transfers rotational motion to the valves without being directly exposed to the fluid. The contact surfaces on the peripheral edge mediate between the actuator's rotational drive and the valve positioning, allowing automated control while maintaining a barrier between mechanical components and sprayed fluid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual nozzle changing is performed to adapt to different forward speeds, then nozzle selection is possible, but the spraying process is interrupted and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle holder incorporates a dynamically adjustable selection mechanism with a circular plate that can be rotated to different angular positions, each position activating a specific nozzle through peripheral edge contact. This dynamic positioning system allows continuous operation without manual intervention, maintaining spraying productivity while adapting to different forward speeds through automated nozzle selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automated nozzle selection through the actuator-driven circular plate mechanism. The peripheral edge contact surfaces automatically engage with the valves to activate the appropriate nozzle based on the rotational position, eliminating the need for manual nozzle changing and ensuring continuous spraying operation.
3Reliability
If the entire device is sealed to protect mechanical components from fluid, then component protection is improved, but the choice of materials is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses segmentation to create distinct sealed and unsealed zones. The first compartment containing mechanical components is sealed from the second compartment containing the distribution chamber. This partial segmentation provides necessary protection without requiring complete sealing of the entire device, reducing material constraints and simplifying the overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the protection problem from a volumetric sealing challenge to a surface-level interface challenge. By using the peripheral edge of the circular plate as a contact interface that can be sealed, the design protects mechanical components through a localized sealing approach rather than requiring complex three-dimensional sealing of the entire mechanism.
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 design allows for simultaneous operation of multiple nozzles, reduces contamination risks, and extends the lifespan of the device by minimizing contact between mechanical components and the fluid, while enabling efficient and remote control of nozzle activation.
Implementation Method 1
the peripheral edge of the plate has high edge portions and low edge portions connected by sloping portions, such that in the open position of a valve of the plurality of valves, the first end contact surface of said valve is in contact with a first plate edge portion among a high edge portion and a low edge portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a nozzle holder (1), comprising a body, a distribution chamber (102), a plurality of valves (12) in the distribution chamber (102), movable between an open and closed position, a plate (14) movable in rotation and in contact with a first end contact surface (121) of each valve (12) to control the movement of said valve (12) between its two positions; in which the peripheral edge of the plate (14) has upper (141) and lower (142) edge portions, in the open position of a valve (12), the first end contact surface (121) is in contact with a first portion of the plate edge, and in the closed position, the first end contact surface (121) of the valve (12) is in contact with a second plate edge (14), the second edge being different from the first edge.