Pole-Mounted Sprayer With Offset Actuator and Video Inspection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprayer systems face challenges in accessing difficult-to-reach locations and safely delivering sprays, such as bioactive chemical agents, while maintaining a safe distance and avoiding physical conflict.
Innovation Solution
A pole-mounted sprayer system with an offset strut and electrical actuator, allowing for adjustable angular positioning and remote operation, combined with a securement mechanism for easy sprayer exchange and a video camera for visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a handheld or backpack sprayer is used, then the operator can directly control the spray, but the operator cannot reach high or difficult-to-access locations safely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pole as an intermediary tool that extends the operator's reach to high or difficult-to-access locations. The sprayer is mounted on the pole, allowing the operator to control the spray from a safe distance while the pole reaches the target location that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate functional components: the pole (providing reach), the mounting bracket (securing the sprayer), and the sprayer itself (delivering the substance). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy replacement or adjustment of individual parts.
2Reliability
If the sprayer is fixed to the pole, then the spray can be delivered to high locations, but the sprayer cannot be easily replaced when spent
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition between a secured state (holding the sprayer firmly during operation) and a released state (allowing quick removal). This dynamic mounting mechanism enables the sprayer to be securely fixed when needed but easily replaced when spent, resolving the contradiction between securement and replaceability.
3Extent of automation
If the actuator is positioned on the pole, then remote operation is enabled, but the actuator movement must be aligned with the operator's line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The offset mounting of the actuator on the pole creates an asymmetric arrangement that positions the actuator's line of movement along the operator's line of sight. This asymmetric positioning simplifies the control mechanism by aligning the actuator's motion with the operator's natural viewing angle, reducing the complexity of alignment requirements while maintaining remote operation capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus and its method of use is directed to a spraying system which has a strut rotationally joined at an upper end of an elongated pole. A sprayer is removably engaged with the strut. An electrical actuator is also engaged with the strut and is positioned for operating the sprayer. An electrical circuit includes components for controlling the sprayer, for video recording a spray target, for viewing the recording on a monitor. The strut is adapted by an offset to place the operating line of the actuator's trigger coincident with the sprayer's operator. The pole may be adjusted as to length for higher and lower targets.