Portable chemical sprayer system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable chemical sprayer systems lack the capability to mix and spray multiple chemicals with a carrier fluid from a principal reservoir, and they are often limited by relying solely on onboard batteries without the option for AC power, which can lead to operational failures during storage or use.
Innovation Solution
A portable chemical sprayer system that includes a principal reservoir for a carrier fluid, an electric pump powered by either a rechargeable 12-volt battery or a 110-volt AC line, auxiliary reservoirs for holding additional chemicals, a selector valve for mixing, a Venturi tube for combining fluid streams in adjustable ratios, and a spray wand for discharging the mixed fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an onboard 12-volt battery is used to power the pump, then the system can operate portably without external power sources, but the battery may lose its charge during storage or use, leading to operational failure
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is designed to accept multiple power sources: it can operate from a 12-volt DC battery for portable use, or connect to 110-volt AC power for stationary use. This multi-functionality ensures continuous operation regardless of power source availability, resolving the contradiction between portable operation and reliable continuous operation.
2Device complexity
If a single chemical reservoir is used, then the device structure is simple, but the system lacks the capability to mix and spray multiple chemicals with carrier fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical storage system is segmented into multiple separate reservoirs, each dedicated to storing a specific chemical. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple chemicals independently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each reservoir connects to the mixing chamber through individual control valves, enabling flexible chemical combinations without complex integrated storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimension storage approach (one reservoir) to a multi-dimensional architecture where reservoirs are arranged in separate compartments or layers. This spatial dimensionality change allows multiple chemicals to be stored and accessed independently while maintaining manageable device complexity through organized layout.
3Device complexity
If fixed mixing ratios are used, then the mixing mechanism is simple, but the system lacks adjustable mixing ratios for different application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system incorporates adjustable flow control valves on each chemical reservoir line, allowing the operator to dynamically adjust the flow rate of each chemical to achieve desired mixing ratios. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility for different application requirements while keeping the mixing mechanism relatively simple through the use of standard valve components.
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 efficient and flexible mixing and spraying of chemical mixtures from a 5-gallon bucket, ensuring continuous operation by providing a power source selection and adjustable mixing ratios, thus overcoming the limitations of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
a Venturi tube for siphoning and combining flow streams from the auxiliary reservoirs with the flow of carrier fluid
Implementation Method 2
an electric pump that may be powered by either an onboard rechargeable battery or a 110-volt AC outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for combining and spraying fluids that includes a principal reservoir for holding a carrier fluid; an electric pump in communication with the principal reservoir; a power source for energizing the pump selectable between a rechargeable 12-volt battery and a 110-volt AC line; at least one auxiliary reservoir for holding an auxiliary fluid to be controllably mixed with carrier fluid being drawn from the principal reservoir; a selector valve for selecting which if any of the auxiliary fluid(s) are to be combined with the carrier fluid; a Venturi tube for combining streams of carrier fluid and selected auxiliary fluid(s) in a predetermined ratio which may be varied as desired; and a spray wand in fluid communication with the Venturi tube for discharging the selected fluids.