Self-Cleaning Filtration System for Agricultural Sprayers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filtration systems in agricultural sprayers require manual cleaning, exposing operators to agrochemicals and increasing the risk of contamination, with no control or management of the filtering operation in self-cleaning systems.

Innovation Solution

A self-cleaning filtration system with obstruction sensors and an electronic module that manages the flow of liquid, using solenoid valves to divert dirty liquid to a settling compartment for residue retention and clean liquid back to the equipment reservoir, minimizing operator exposure and automating the cleaning process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual cleaning of filters is implemented, then the filtering system can be maintained, but operator exposure to agrochemicals increases and contamination risk rises

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering system maintenanceVSAvoidoperator exposure to agrochemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-cleaning through automated backwashing where the filter unit cleans itself by reversing flow direction using solenoid valves, eliminating the need for manual intervention and operator contact with contaminated filters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical cleaning process is replaced by an automated control system using electronic controllers, solenoid valves, and pressure sensors to manage the backwashing cycle, substituting human labor with an automated control mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If self-cleaning filtration system is implemented, then operator exposure is reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator exposure to agrochemicalsVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter unit serves multiple functions: filtration during normal operation and self-cleaning during backwashing, with the same physical components performing both filtering and cleaning operations through flow direction reversal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning function is merged with the existing filtration system by using the same filter housing, element, and fluid pathways, adding only necessary control components (solenoid valves, controller) rather than separate cleaning equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If automated cleaning with solenoid valves is used, then cleaning efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The backwashing operation occurs periodically based on pressure differential thresholds or time intervals rather than continuously, with the controller activating solenoid valves only when cleaning is required to maintain filtration efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors pressure differential across the filter element and triggers backwashing when a threshold is reached, dynamically adjusting the cleaning cycle based on actual contamination levels rather than operating at fixed intervals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system effectively reduces operator exposure to agrochemicals by automating the cleaning process, ensuring safer operation and environmental protection by preventing manual contact with chemical residues.

Implementation Method 1

The filtration system (100) is provided with a self-cleaning filter unit (110) comprising a filter housing (111), a filter element (112) arranged inside the filter housing (111), solenoid valves and an electronic controller, wherein the solenoid valves are electronically commanded

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Implementation Method 2

sending the dirty liquid into the settling filter, where solid residues will be retained

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSedimentation: Sedimentation

Data Source

PatentUS11285414B2Self-cleaning filtration system for use in agricultural sprayers

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 MURILO HAUSTEIN RUCH

AI summary

The following abstract of the invention concerns the development of a filtration system applied to agricultural sprayers so that the operator does not come into contact with residues from the applied product, having a cooperative system of a filtering element (14) and a settling filter (36), where the system is managed by an electronic module (41), having obstruction sensors that indicate the need for self-cleaning and recommend the time it should be replaced.