Multiple Nozzle Holder With Isolated Valve Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural spray nozzle holders have the drawback of having the entire activated nozzle selection mechanism immersed in the fluid, leading to potential product contamination and reduced device lifespan due to contact with corrosive fluids.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle holder design with a peripheral dispensing chamber and a circular plate with high and low edge portions, allowing valves to be controlled remotely and isolated from the fluid, enabling simultaneous activation of multiple nozzles without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the nozzle selection mechanism is immersed in the fluid for automatic control, then automation is improved, 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 distinct compartments: a first compartment housing the liquid supply line and inlet duct, and a second compartment housing the circular plate with valves. This segmentation isolates the mechanical control components (circular plate and valves) from the liquid flow path, preventing fluid contact with moving parts while maintaining automatic control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The circular plate with valves is extracted from the fluid environment and placed in a separate compartment. The liquid flow path is designed to bypass the second compartment entirely, allowing the mechanical components to be taken out of the harmful fluid environment while preserving the automatic nozzle selection function through the actuator mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the entire nozzle selection mechanism is immersed in the fluid, then control is simplified, but the device requires complete sealing which limits material choices
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the nozzle holder into two compartments with distinct functions, the invention eliminates the need for complete sealing of the entire device. The first compartment can use standard materials suitable for fluid contact, while the second compartment containing mechanical components can use materials optimized for durability and lubrication without requiring fluid-impermeable properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical control components are extracted from the fluid environment, allowing the use of materials that would otherwise be unsuitable for fluid contact. This extraction removes the constraint of complete sealing, enabling greater material selection flexibility for both compartments.
3Device complexity
If multiple nozzles are controlled through a single circular plate, then device complexity is reduced, but the plate must be sealed against fluid contact which limits design freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The circular plate with multiple valves is housed in a separate second compartment that is physically separated from the liquid flow path. This segmentation allows the plate to be designed with multiple valve openings and complex geometry without requiring sealing against fluid contact, as the liquid flows only through the first compartment and does not enter the second compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for attaching a nozzle holder having a body and a casing to a supply line, the supply line having a receiving support in contact with the supply line; a receiving support hinge for pivoting a latch about a first pivot axis parallel to the direction of the supply line; a receiving support pin for locking the latch, the pin having a deformable clamp collar; and wherein the device being such that the clamp collar of the pin having an eccentric configured to cover the latch.