Telescopic Spray Bar Nozzle Switching via GPS Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray booms for field sprayers lack the ability for precise, individual nozzle control, leading to inefficiencies in spray agent distribution and consumption, as nozzles are typically switched in groups, resulting in agronomic disadvantages and higher spray agent usage.
Innovation Solution
The spray boom design allows for individual nozzle control via a serial data bus system, with nozzles assigned unique addresses, enabling precise activation and deactivation, and incorporates a holder with multiple nozzles that adjust uniformly during sub-segment displacement to maintain even lateral distribution, using electrical or pneumatic switching elements and GPS-supported control for optimized field treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If nozzles are switched on in groups or part-width sections, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of spray agent distribution deteriorates and spray agent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray boom is divided into multiple independently controllable sub-segments, each with individually addressable nozzles. This segmentation allows precise control of each nozzle while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts nozzle activation based on real-time position data from GPS and wheel encoders. The control system continuously updates which nozzles should be active based on the sprayer's location and heading, enabling precise spray application without requiring complex hardwired switching for each nozzle.
2Measurement precision
If individual nozzle switching is implemented, then the precision of spray agent distribution improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical switching systems with an electronic control system using GPS positioning and microprocessor-based logic. Instead of physical switches for each nozzle, the system uses electronic signals to control solenoid valves, dramatically reducing mechanical complexity while enabling individual nozzle control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines which nozzles should be active based on GPS position and sprayer heading calculations. The control algorithm autonomously manages nozzle activation without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the working width is adjusted steplessly or in stages, then the adaptability of the field sprayer increases, but the precision of maintaining even lateral distribution becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operational parameters (which nozzles are active) based on the desired working width. By selectively activating specific nozzles rather than simply moving the physical boom position, the system achieves variable working width while maintaining consistent spray patterns and lateral distribution uniformity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The spray bar has nozzles (6) separately formed by switching elements in a switched manner. The switching elements are electrically or pneumatically activated by a serial data bus system, and the spray bar is formed as a disk bar with a drive protection device (7). The drive protection device consists of partial segments, which are displaced together. A controller of a field spraying device activates or deactivates the nozzles by a switching program according to stored field data. A holder is provided with the nozzles.