PWM Valve Magnetometer Monitoring for Uniform Spray Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machines struggle to monitor and control the application rate of chemicals accurately, leading to potential overuse or underuse, which can result in product waste or inadequate treatment, and lack uniformity in spray patterns.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetometer coupled to pulse width modulation valves in agricultural machines to measure magnetic properties for determining duty cycle and modulation frequency, combined with flow sensors and GPS, to ensure precise control of fluid flow and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional monitoring methods are used to measure chemical application rates, then the system structure remains simple, but measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate leading to product waste or inadequate treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical flow sensors with a magnetometer-based monitoring system that uses magnetic field detection to measure chemical application rates. The magnetometer detects magnetic properties of the fluid flow, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensing components while achieving higher measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic field interaction as an intermediary mechanism between the chemical flow and the monitoring system. By using magnetic properties as a mediator, the system can indirectly measure flow rates and application rates without direct contact with the chemical stream, simplifying the overall device structure while improving measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If pulse width modulation valves are used to control fluid flow, then productivity and application rate control improve, but device complexity increases due to additional control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the magnetometer continuously monitors the actual chemical application rate and feeds this information back to the pulse width modulation valve controller. This closed-loop feedback enables automatic adjustment of valve operation to maintain precise control of application rates, improving productivity while the intelligent control algorithm keeps the system manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic pulse width modulation to control the valve operation, allowing real-time adjustment of fluid flow based on varying field conditions, spray drift, and application rate requirements. This dynamic control approach optimizes chemical application efficiency while the modular valve design keeps the system complexity manageable.
3Stability of the object's composition
If uniform spray patterns are prioritized to ensure adequate field treatment, then application uniformity improves, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the boom into multiple independently controlled sections, each with its own pulse width modulation valve and magnetometer. This segmentation allows individual adjustment of spray patterns in different field zones to maintain uniformity despite variations in ground speed, wind conditions, or nozzle wear, while the modular architecture keeps overall system complexity manageable.
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
Enhances the accuracy of chemical application by monitoring and adjusting flow rates and spray patterns, reducing waste and ensuring uniform distribution across fields.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnetometer configured to measure at least one magnetic property caused by actuation of the at least one pulse width modulation valve
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural machine includes a chassis, a product tank containing a fluid, and a fluid distribution system in fluid communication with the product tank. The fluid distribution system includes at least one fluid outlet line configured to deliver a fluid to an agricultural field, at least one pulse width modulation valve in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet line, and at least one magnetometer configured to measure at least one magnetic property caused by actuation of the at least one pulse width modulation valve. The agricultural machine further includes a monitoring system configured to determine at least one of a duty cycle or a modulation frequency of the at least one pulse width modulation valve based on the at least one magnetic property. Related methods and monitoring systems are also disclosed.