Pulsed Airflow Fan Control for Consistent Crop Spraying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural spraying systems experience variations in product projection and spray quality due to variable aerodynamic conditions caused by changes in the forward speed of agricultural machinery, leading to imperfect dispersion and application of products on vegetation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving pulsed airflow control in agricultural spraying systems, adjusted by determining flow control parameters based on the forward speed of the machinery, using methods like geo-positioning systems or wheel sensors, to maintain consistent aerodynamic conditions and homogeneous product delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the fan is controlled in an on/off mode, then the device complexity is reduced, but the spray quality deteriorates due to variable aerodynamic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The fan control system transitions from static on/off control to dynamic control that continuously adjusts fan speed based on measured forward speed, maintaining optimal aerodynamic conditions variable operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control loop is implemented where forward speed is measured by sensors (GPS, wheel sensors, or radar), processed by a controller, and used to adjust fan speed accordingly, ensuring consistent spray quality despite speed variations
2Productivity
If the forward speed of the agricultural machinery varies, then the productivity is improved, but the spray quality deteriorates due to varying aerodynamic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts fan speed to match forward speed variations, allowing the machinery to operate at variable speeds for productivity while maintaining consistent aerodynamic conditions for spray quality through real-time control
Solution Approach 2:
The fan speed parameter is changed in response to forward speed parameter changes, maintaining the optimal relationship between airflow and product delivery rates despite variations in operating speed
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
Ensures consistent and controlled product application across vegetation, regardless of speed changes, by adjusting airflow and product delivery in response to forward speed variations, improving spray quality and reducing dispersion.
Implementation Method 1
the aerodynamic conditions and the proportion of product sprayed in the airflow are not constant
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for delivering a pulsed airflow (PAF) in a spraying system (10) of a product to be sprayed (8) carried by an airflow towards a target vegetation (TV), the spraying system being mounted on board an agricultural machine (9) and comprising at least one fan (7) driven by a fan motor (4), the method iteratively comprising: - an evaluation of the forward speed (VA) of the agricultural machine relative to the ground, - a determination, as a function of the forward speed, of at least one flow control parameter in relation to the pulsed airflow to be delivered, - the control of the fan motor according to the flow control parameter, and a spraying system implementing such a method.