Nozzle Apparatus Control Element Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nozzle apparatus for agricultural spray machines rely on spray pressure for actuation and require continuous electrical power for valve operation, limiting control and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle apparatus with an adjustable control element that can be actuated using external power sources like electric, magnetic, or hydraulic energy, allowing it to maintain control positions without continuous power supply through frictional engagement or self-locking mechanisms, enabling precise control of nozzle connections and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pre-stressed diaphragm valve is used that opens only as a function of spray pressure, then the valve structure is simple, but the nozzle apparatus can only be actuated as a function of spray pressure in the spray line, limiting control flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control element (such as a control valve or actuator) that mediates between the spray pressure source and the nozzle. This control element can be actuated by various signals (electrical, magnetic, pneumatic, hydraulic) to independently control nozzle activation without being solely dependent on spray pressure, thereby enhancing control flexibility while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control capability by allowing the control element to be actuated by different types of signals (electrical, magnetic, pneumatic, hydraulic) rather than being fixed to pressure-only actuation. This enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions and control requirements dynamically, improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through integrated design
2Measurement precision
If an electromagnetically switchable valve is used that connects channels during spraying, then control precision is improved, but continuous electrical power must be supplied to maintain the connected position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using electromagnetic actuators that only require power during transient switching events rather than continuous operation. The valve maintains its position (open or closed) without continuous power supply, consuming energy only when state changes are required. This preserves control precision while dramatically reducing continuous power consumption compared to continuously powered electromagnetic valves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the use of spring-loaded or friction-based positioning mechanisms that automatically maintain valve positions without continuous external power. The system serves itself by using the actuator's inherent mechanical characteristics (spring force, friction engagement) to hold the valve state, eliminating the need for continuous electrical power while maintaining precise control capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If a control element is actuated by external power sources (electric, magnetic, pneumatic, hydraulic), then control versatility is improved, but the control element requires continuous power to maintain position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action across all control element types (electrical, magnetic, pneumatic, hydraulic actuators) by designing them to operate only during transient actuation events rather than continuous operation. Once actuated, the control element maintains its position using mechanical retention mechanisms (friction engagement, self-locking structures, spring force), requiring energy only for the initial actuation and not for maintaining the controlled state, thereby achieving versatility without continuous power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by incorporating mechanical retention mechanisms (friction engagement between control element and nozzle arrangement, self-locking adjusting structures) that enable the control element to maintain its own position without continuous external power. The system uses the actuator's inherent mechanical characteristics to hold the controlled state, allowing versatile control across multiple actuation types while eliminating continuous power requirements through self-maintaining mechanical design
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 precise control of spray liquid flow and output quantity without continuous power, improving operational efficiency and flexibility in agricultural spray machines.
Implementation Method 1
The control element is embodied such that as soon as it is brought into an adjustable control position, this adjusted control position is maintained without external power in the form of electric, magnetic, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy having to be supplied to the control element or to adjusting means provided for adjusting the control element. By way of example only, this can occur using frictional engagement between the control element and the nozzle arrangement
Implementation Method 2
A self-locking adjusting means can, for example, include a spindle joined to the control element. Rotation of the spindle changes the position of the control element but the control element self-locks in position when the spindle is not rotating.
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle apparatus for an agricultural crop sprayer, the apparatus having a control element adjustable using ah external power source for controlling the flow of a spray liquid from a spray line through at least one channel of the nozzle apparatus. Once the control element has been moved to a control position, the position is maintained without further need for external power. The control element may be a ball valve movable to simultaneously select two or more nozzle connections and also to vary flow through the selected nozzle connections.