Nozzle Valve Subgroup Timing for Stable Spray Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural spraying systems face challenges in accurately applying products while avoiding pressure drops and electrical demand surges, leading to gaps in spray coverage and misapplication on crops.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that determines phase delays and subgroup time delays for valve actuations based on vehicle speed values, total number of valves, and set distances to ensure precise application of agricultural products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If valves are actuated in groups with time delays to minimize pressure changes and electrical demand, then system stability is improved, but spray coverage accuracy deteriorates due to gaps in coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts valve actuation timing based on real-time vehicle speed feedback. The controller continuously modifies the actuation schedule to maintain optimal spray spacing regardless of speed variations, resolving the conflict between staggered actuation stability and coverage accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates speed sensors that provide continuous feedback to the controller. This feedback loop allows the controller to compensate for speed variations and adjust valve actuation timing accordingly, preventing gaps in spray coverage while maintaining the benefits of staggered actuation.
2Device complexity
If fixed time delays are used for valve actuation based on cycle times, then system complexity is reduced, but spray application accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed time delays to dynamic speed-based timing. The controller calculates valve actuation moments based on actual vehicle speed and desired spray spacing, improving accuracy without requiring complex additional hardware beyond basic speed sensing.
3Productivity
If multiple valves are actuated simultaneously, then productivity is improved through faster coverage, but pressure drops and electrical demand surges worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the valve actuation process into sequentially staggered groups rather than simultaneous activation. This segmentation distributes the hydraulic and electrical load over time, preventing pressure drops and electrical surges while maintaining efficient coverage through optimized timing based on vehicle speed.
Data Source
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AI summary
Nozzle control systems and methods for applying an agricultural product using an agricultural vehicle and plurality of valves separated into subgroups are disclosed. An example method includes actuating the valves to dispense the agricultural product, wherein the actuating includes (a) actuating a first subgroup of valves and a second subgroup of valves in succession using a phase delay; and (b) actuating successive valves in the first subgroup and successive valves in the second subgroup using at least one subgroup time delay. The subgroup time delay can be determined based on one or more vehicle speed values and a total number of the plurality of valves.