Sectioned Sprayer Tank Weight Distribution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled agricultural product application equipment faces challenges in maintaining optimal weight distribution during product application, as the weight distribution characteristics change over time due to the emptying of large product volumes, affecting traction and steering, especially on uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sectioned product containers with controlled emptying mechanisms that maintain more weight towards the front or back of the equipment, ensuring consistent ballast by sequentially emptying container sections to maintain desired weight distribution, thereby enhancing traction and steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large volumes of product are stored in a single container, then productivity is improved by reducing application time and passes, but weight distribution characteristics change over time affecting handling performance
Solution Approach 1:
The product container is divided into multiple container sections (front section and back section) separated by divider walls. Each section can be emptied independently through separate outlets, allowing the weight distribution to be controlled by selectively emptying specific sections while maintaining overall productivity through continuous product application.
2Productivity
If product is applied onto agricultural fields from large storage, then productivity increases with fewer passes, but weight distribution shifts causing loss of traction and steering control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically controls the emptying of container sections based on the implement's operational needs. The control system monitors weight distribution and selectively opens outlets to empty front or back sections, maintaining optimal weight distribution for traction and steering control while continuing productive field application.
3Device complexity
If a single container is used for product storage, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to maintain optimal weight distribution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple sections with independent outlets and control mechanisms. This segmentation enables weight distribution control through selective emptying of specific sections, while the overall container structure remains integrated on the implement chassis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the container by controlling the opening and closing of individual outlets in different sections. This allows dynamic adjustment of weight distribution by varying which sections are emptying at any given time, transforming a static container into a controllable weight management system.
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 improves handling performance and maintains optimal weight distribution, ensuring better traction and steering, especially when applying products on agricultural fields with varying terrain, by selectively emptying container sections to maintain ballast at critical locations for a longer period.
Implementation Method 1
product to flow from the one of the multiple container sections, past a respective one of the multiple variable outlet arrangements, and out of the applicator arrangement
Data Source
AI summary
A self-propelled agricultural product application implement such as high clearance sprayer and/or spreader is provided that includes a product container that is sectioned. Emptying of the container sections is controlled to approximate a target front-to-back weight distribution of the implement for a substantially long period of time during a product application session. An outlet system having multiple variable outlet arrangements is arranged between the product container and an application arrangement such as a spray boom or a rotary broadcaster. The variable outlet arrangements are configured to allow the container sections to sequentially empty to maintain ballast provided by the store product at relatively later portions of the implement for a relatively longer period of time during the product application session.