Independent Nozzle Injection Control for Sprayers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current field sprayer systems contaminate the tank and distribution system with chemical fluids and suffer from significant delays and inefficiencies in chemical distribution, as they mix chemicals in bulk tanks and dispense them through a single point pressure and flow control system.
Innovation Solution
The system injects chemical and carrier fluids directly at each nozzle, using a high-pressure chemical distribution rail and solenoid injection valves for independent control, allowing for instantaneous changes in chemical output and minimizing contamination and cleaning requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If chemical fluid is injected into the carrier stream at a single point before distribution valves and manifolds, then the tank is eliminated from the system, but significant and variable delays occur between injection and nozzle distribution points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the chemical distribution system into multiple independent high-pressure lines (first and second distribution rails) that run parallel to the carrier fluid distribution system. Each nozzle receives chemical fluid through its own dedicated line and solenoid valve, eliminating the single-point injection delay while maintaining system manageability through modular segmentation of chemical and carrier fluid paths.
2Ease of operation
If concentrated chemicals are mixed into water in a bulk tank, then the mixed fluid can be dispensed through nozzles, but the tank and distribution system become contaminated with chemical fluid requiring thorough cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the chemical fluid path from the carrier fluid path, with chemical fluid delivered through separate high-pressure distribution rails to individual nozzle assemblies. This prevents chemical contamination of the main water tank and distribution system, requiring only minimal cleaning of nozzle tips with carrier fluid rather than thorough cleaning of entire systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the chemical fluid delivery function from the bulk tank system entirely. Chemicals are stored in separate containers and delivered directly to nozzles through independent high-pressure lines, removing chemicals from the main water distribution system and eliminating the need for extensive cleaning of tanks and manifolds.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single point pressure and flow control system is used to dispense mixed fluid to nozzles, then the system is simpler to operate, but alteration of chemical combination or concentration after mixing is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments chemical delivery into multiple independent high-pressure lines, each with its own solenoid valve and flow control. This allows different chemicals to be delivered separately and mixed at the nozzle level, enabling real-time alteration of chemical combinations and concentrations without requiring system shutdown or reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of chemical delivery through electronically controlled solenoid valves at each nozzle assembly. This allows real-time adjustment of chemical flow rates and combinations based on field conditions, enabling flexible modification of spray composition during operation rather than fixed pre-mixed formulations.
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 approach prevents chemical contamination of the tank and distribution system, reduces delays, and simplifies cleaning by allowing for precise control of chemical and carrier fluid flow at each nozzle, ensuring efficient and uniform application.
Implementation Method 1
solenoid injection valves to control the flow of chemical fluid to each nozzle independently
Implementation Method 2
a high pressure chemical distribution rail or loop routed to each nozzle
Implementation Method 3
Chemical fluid may be metered through these valves and injected directly into the nozzle body where it is mixed with lower pressure carrier fluid
Data Source
AI summary
By injecting a chemical fluid and a carrier fluid directly at each nozzle, and by then mixing the fluids at each nozzle to produce a mixed fluid, an improved spray system may be provided which does not contaminate the tank or distribution system with chemical fluid and which allows improved spraying with minimal delay. Accordingly, a system is provided on a field sprayer for independently controlling the flow rate of concentrated chemical fluid to individual spray nozzles using a high pressure chemical distribution rail or loop routed to each nozzle and solenoid injection valves to control the flow of chemical fluid to each nozzle independently.