Solenoid Kit for Sprayer Nozzle Segmentation and GPS Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural sprayer systems are complex and expensive to implement, and they lack the ability to independently control individual nozzles and avoid overlapping previously sprayed areas.
Innovation Solution
A kit is provided that includes electrically-actuatable solenoids, controllers, and a GPS antenna system to selectively turn on and off the flow of liquid through nozzle assemblies based on geographic location, allowing for precise control of spraying by determining whether each nozzle is within a spray or no-spray region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex integrated position-responsive control system is implemented to provide droplet size control and drift reduction, then spray application precision is improved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sprayer boom into individually controllable segments (nozzle groups), each equipped with its own solenoid valve. This segmentation allows independent control of spray application at different locations along the boom, enabling precise application rate control and drift reduction without requiring a completely complex integrated system. Each segment can be turned on or off based on GPS position relative to spray boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical spray control mechanisms with an electrical control system using solenoid valves actuated by a simple microcontroller. The microcontroller receives GPS position data and automatically actuates the appropriate solenoid valves to control spray application, substituting sophisticated mechanical systems with simpler electrical and software-based control.
2Manufacturing precision
If individual nozzle control capability is added to turn nozzles on and off independently, then spray coverage accuracy is improved, but hardware requirements and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is segmented into multiple independently controllable nozzle groups, with each group equipped with its own solenoid valve. This allows the system to turn on or off specific sections of the boom based on the vehicle's position relative to spray boundaries, achieving precise spray coverage control without requiring modification of every individual nozzle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing GPS receiver and microcontroller to automatically control spray application. The microcontroller processes GPS position data and automatically actuates the appropriate solenoid valves without requiring additional complex hardware or manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself using already-available components.
3Loss of substance
If overlap of previously sprayed areas is prevented through independent nozzle control, then chemical waste is reduced, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the vehicle's GPS position and uses this feedback to automatically control the solenoid valves. As the vehicle moves along the spray path, the microcontroller receives updated position data and adjusts spray application in real-time, turning off nozzles that have passed over already-sprayed areas and turning on nozzles that are approaching new areas to be sprayed. This feedback mechanism prevents chemical waste from overlapping applications without requiring complex manual control systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a kit format is used for easy installation on existing sprayers, then adaptability is improved, but system integration complexity may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The kit is designed with universal mounting brackets and standardized connections that can be installed on various existing sprayer models. The solenoid valves are configured to work with common nozzle types and the electrical connections are designed to interface with existing sprayer power systems, allowing the same kit to be adapted to multiple different sprayer platforms without custom engineering for each model.
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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective implementation on existing sprayer vehicles, allowing for precise control of spraying, reducing waste and improving application accuracy by independently managing each nozzle.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of electrically-actuatable solenoids configured to be installed in the ports upon removal of the check valves and to selectably turn on and off flow of the liquid through the nozzle assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
Kits for sprayer vehicles may include electrically-actuatable solenoids configured to selectably turn individual nozzle assemblies on and off when installed in ports from which check valves were removed, one or more wirelessly-controllable solenoid controllers, a first wiring harness to electrically connect the electrically-actuatable solenoids to the controller(s), a GPS antenna system that wirelessly communicates information identifying its position, bracketry configured to attach the GPS antenna system and the one or more controllers with the sprayer vehicle, a second wiring harness to electrically connect the controller(s) and the GPS antenna system with a source of electrical power on the vehicle, and a mobile device configured to wirelessly cause the one or more controllers to turn individual nozzle assemblies on and off based on a comparison of predetermined geographical boundaries and predefined relative positions of the individual nozzle assemblies to real-time location information received wirelessly from the GPS antenna system.