Sectioned Spray Boom Pressure Control via Section Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural spray systems lack precise control over fluid application, particularly in terms of droplet size and flow rate, due to limitations in individual nozzle control, which leads to inefficiencies and unintended spray drift.
Innovation Solution
A system with section control valves and electrically actuated valves that allow for independent adjustment of fluid pressure in each section of the spray boom, enabling precise control of droplet size and flow rate through a controller that adjusts the position of section control valves based on predetermined parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual control of spray nozzles is implemented through solenoid valves, then precision of fluid application is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple valves and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The spray boom is divided into multiple sections with section control valves, and each section is further divided into groups of nozzles controlled by electrically actuated valves. This hierarchical segmentation allows precise control of individual nozzles while managing complexity through modular organization of control elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions by managing both section control valves and individual nozzle valves, integrating pressure regulation and flow control in a single control unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems and manages overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If section control valves are used to regulate fluid pressure in different sections, then droplet size consistency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional valves and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system is segmented into multiple sections along the spray boom, with each section equipped with its own control valve. This segmentation enables independent pressure regulation for each section, ensuring consistent droplet size across different areas while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each section of the spray boom can have different fluid pressure levels tailored to local requirements, allowing optimization of droplet size for specific application zones. This local quality approach improves overall consistency by adapting pressure conditions to each section's needs without requiring complete system redesign.
3Productivity
If fluid pressure is increased to improve spray coverage, then productivity is improved, but droplet size control precision deteriorates due to pressure variations affecting all nozzles
Solution Approach 1:
The spray boom is divided into sections that can operate at different pressure levels independently. This allows the system to maintain high productivity through adequate spray coverage while preserving droplet size control precision by regulating pressure separately in each section according to its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts fluid pressure in each section based on operational requirements, allowing pressure to vary by section rather than maintaining a fixed system-wide pressure. This dynamic control enables optimal spray coverage while maintaining precise droplet size control in each zone.
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
This solution provides improved precision in fluid application, allowing for consistent droplet sizes and reduced drift by enabling independent control of each nozzle section, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of agricultural fluid application.
Implementation Method 1
Each section control valve is positionable to adjust a flow coefficient of the section control valve
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electrically actuated valves configured to control fluid flow through the plurality of nozzles
Implementation Method 3
the agrochemical liquid is supplied by powered pumps to simple or complex orifice nozzles of the nozzle assemblies that atomize the liquid stream into spray droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A system for applying fluid to an agricultural field includes a fluid source, a plurality of nozzles connected in fluid communication with the fluid source, and a plurality of electrically actuated valves configured to control fluid flow through the plurality of nozzles. The plurality of electrically actuated valves are divided into a plurality of groups. The system also includes a plurality of section control valves. Each section control valve is connected in fluid communication between the fluid source and a corresponding one of the groups of electrically actuated valves. Each section control valve is positionable to adjust a flow coefficient of the section control valve. The system further includes a controller configured to control the position of each section control valve to provide a predetermined flow coefficient for each section control valve based on a predetermined fluid pressure for the corresponding group of electrically actuated valves.