Tractor-Mounted Sprayer With Sensor-Controlled Nozzle Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sprayers for phytopharmaceutical applications in permanent crops require manual adjustment by the tractor driver, leading to inefficiencies in application uniformity and increased time due to the need for constant attention to both spraying and safe driving, and are not suited for uneven tree canopies or individual tree spraying.
Innovation Solution
A sprayer with independently controlled spraying units mounted on a tractor, utilizing sensors and computerized actuators to adjust the air jet quantity, direction, and height based on real-time plant crown data, allowing for optimized application without driver intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment by tractor driver is used, then the sprayer can be operated with simple structure, but the application uniformity deteriorates and driver attention is diverted from safe driving
Solution Approach 1:
The sprayer system performs self-adjustment through sensors that detect plant crown characteristics and automatically control spray quantity and direction without requiring driver intervention. The system serves itself by making real-time adjustments based on detected conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated control system using sensors, processors, and actuators that electronically control spray application based on detected plant characteristics.
2Area of stationary object
If overhead boom with spray units is used, then spraying coverage is improved, but the device height increases making road travel difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The spray units are mounted on laterally movable arms that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The arms can be retracted or lowered when not in use, reducing the device's overall height for road travel while maintaining full spraying capability in the field.
3Device complexity
If fixed orientation spray units are used, then device structure is simplified, but spraying efficiency on unequally developed canopies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spray units are mounted on laterally movable arms that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The arms can be retracted or lowered when not in use, reducing the device's overall height for road travel while maintaining full spraying capability in the field.
Solution Approach 2:
Each spray unit can independently adjust its spray pattern and direction to match the specific characteristics of different canopy sections, providing locally optimized spraying for unequally developed canopies.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple spray units with independent control are used, then application precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to automatically detect plant crown characteristics and the processor automatically calculates and controls each spray unit's operation, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while achieving precise application.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A sprayer for targeted application of phytopharmaceutical preparations in permanent crops is designed as a trailer or as a standard three-point agricultural tractor attachment. On a frame (1) there may be a vessel (2) for spray chemicals, a compressor (3) for the creation of an air jet, a support (4) of a sprayer assembly (5) and also additional elements (6) like a pump (6a) for liquid spraying chemicals, valves (6b) for liquid chemicals control, ducts (6c) for conducting air from said compressor (3) and a control assembly (6b) with sensors. On said support (4) a cantilever (7) is fastened, on which there is a vertical hinge (8) provided with a bunch of sprayer nozzles (9) via extractable and pivotable legs (10), (11), wherein said nozzles (9) are additionally individually pivotable in vertical direction by means of mutually independent actuators (12) that are controlled by a control assembly (6d).