Solenoid Valve Closure-Time Sensing for Nozzle Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural spray systems lack effective monitoring of individual nozzle operations, leading to application errors due to clogging, misalignment, or damage, especially in high-speed and wide-boom applications, where visual inspection is inadequate and electronic control systems fail to detect nozzle failures until significant errors occur.
Innovation Solution
A drive circuit for solenoid valves with a coil, poppet, and sensor that detects the poppet's translation, allowing for real-time monitoring of fluid flow by determining the time delay between coil de-energization and valve closure, enabling precise flow measurement and detection of nozzle issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual inspection methods are used to monitor nozzle operation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of nozzle flow detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection (mechanical/optical system) with electronic sensing and electromagnetic actuation. The solenoid valve with coil and poppet uses electromagnetic fields to control fluid flow, while electronic sensors detect valve position and flow conditions, substituting human visual monitoring with automated electronic detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronic sensors as intermediaries between the nozzle valve and the monitoring system. These sensors detect valve position, fluid flow characteristics, and system parameters, translating physical nozzle operation into electrical signals that can be processed and analyzed for precise flow monitoring.
2Productivity
If electronic control systems are implemented for individual nozzle control, then productivity and precision of agrochemical application are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spray system into individually controllable nozzle units, each with its own solenoid valve and sensing capabilities. This segmentation allows independent control and monitoring of each nozzle, enabling precise agrochemical application while managing complexity through modular design where each unit is a self-contained module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback loops where sensors continuously monitor valve position, fluid flow, and system parameters, and this information is fed back to the control system. The control system adjusts solenoid valve operation based on this feedback to maintain desired flow rates and detect anomalies, improving productivity through closed-loop control.
3Productivity
If high ground speeds and wide spray booms are used, then productivity increases, but measurement precision of individual nozzle flow and detection of nozzle malfunctions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each nozzle to self-monitor its own flow conditions through integrated sensors that detect valve position, fluid flow characteristics, and pressure parameters. Each nozzle unit independently assesses its own operational status, providing continuous feedback without requiring external manual inspection, thus maintaining measurement precision at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of nozzles during operation with automated electronic sensing systems. Sensors continuously monitor flow parameters and valve operation, substituting the need for operators to visually check nozzles while driving at high speeds, thereby maintaining detection accuracy despite increased productivity.
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 real-time monitoring and feedback on nozzle performance, preventing application errors by detecting clogs or damage, ensuring accurate and efficient agrochemical distribution, even in challenging operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid valve (300, 400) having a coil (308, 408) and a poppet (312, 412) configured to translate within the coil
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect the poppet translating within the solenoid valve
Data Source
AI summary
A drive circuit for a solenoid valve having a coil and a poppet configured to translate within the coil includes a drive switch operable to de-energize the coil to translate the poppet toward the closed position, a sensor configured to detect the poppet translating within the solenoid valve, and a controller configured to receive a closure signal from the sensor, determine a closing time of the solenoid valve based on the closure signal, determine a time delay between de-energizing the coil and the determined closing time, and determine a fluid flow value of fluid flowing through the solenoid valve based on the determined time delay.