Spray Boom Application Device for Variable Distribution Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural field sprayers have limited variability in distribution patterns and require multiple nozzles and actuators, making them inflexible and costly to operate, with complex control systems that are difficult to adapt to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A field sprayer with a height-adjustable spray boom equipped with dispensing devices that use at least three variably adjustable manipulated variables: pressure level, application quantity, and atomization, allowing for generation of various distribution patterns without the need for different nozzles, and minimizing the number of actuators required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nozzle assemblies with different spray nozzles are used to generate various distribution patterns, then the variability of distribution patterns is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring numerous different nozzles and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single spray nozzle that can generate multiple distribution patterns through variable control parameters (pressure level, application quantity, atomization). Instead of requiring multiple specialized nozzles for different patterns, one universal nozzle structure handles all patterns by adjusting its operational parameters, thereby reducing the number of components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling the distribution pattern through three variably adjustable manipulated variables: pressure level, application quantity, and atomization. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system achieves high variability in distribution patterns without physical changes to the nozzle structure, thus avoiding the complexity of multiple nozzle assemblies.
2Measurement precision
If separate actuators are assigned to each spray nozzle for precise control, then the control precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to requiring several hundred actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by consolidating control functions. Instead of having separate actuators for each nozzle, the system uses a centralized control unit that manages all spray nozzles through the three shared manipulated variables (pressure level, application quantity, atomization). This merging of control functions maintains precision while dramatically reducing the number of actuators required.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves as a universal controller that manages multiple spray nozzles through a limited set of manipulated variables. This universal control approach allows precise control of distribution patterns without requiring individual actuators for each nozzle, thus reducing complexity while maintaining control precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If air-assisted nozzles or injector nozzles are used to optimize atomization and vary droplet spectrum, then the distribution pattern variability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to requiring air supply systems and exact control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves droplet spectrum variability through parameter changes in the liquid flow itself (pressure level, application quantity, atomization) rather than adding air supply systems. By dynamically adjusting these liquid flow parameters, the system varies the droplet spectrum and distribution patterns without the complexity of air-assisted mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential function of atomization and droplet spectrum control from complex air-assisted systems and achieves it through simpler liquid flow parameter control. By taking out the air supply requirement and focusing on manipulating liquid flow parameters, the system maintains droplet spectrum variability while reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of manufacture
If spray nozzles with fixed or unchangeable setting parameters are used, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability to different distribution patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by maintaining a simple, fixed nozzle structure while achieving distribution pattern flexibility through parameter changes. The three manipulated variables (pressure level, application quantity, atomization) allow the same simple nozzle to produce various distribution patterns dynamically, combining manufacturing simplicity with operational adaptability.
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
Enables the generation of almost any distribution pattern, optimizing application for specific crops and conditions, and allows for immediate adaptation to changes in crop populations or environmental conditions, reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a first manipulated variable, which manipulated variable is defined by a pressure level, by means of which pressure level the liquid active ingredient and/or crop protection agent is conveyed by means of or in a line running at least along a section of the spray boom
Implementation Method 2
a third manipulated variable, which manipulated variable is defined by atomization or a degree of atomization of the applied liquid active ingredient and/or crop protection agent
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
An agricultural field sprayer (10) for applying liquid plant protection products is disclosed, wherein the distribution is effected by means of at least one application device (24) mounted on a height-adjustable spray boom (22) attached to the field sprayer (10), wherein the application device (24) is designed to generate different distribution patterns (26) based on at least three control variables in order to apply a field sprayer orThe invention aims to create an application device that can generate any desired distribution pattern without requiring different spray nozzles or multi-nozzle bodies, and to minimize the number of actuators required. It is designed so that the three control variables are each variably adjustable. A first control variable is defined by a pressure level at which the plant protection product is conveyed along the spray boom (22) via a line (34). A second control variable is defined by the application rate, which can be adjusted by means of a volume flow controller (38). A third control variable is defined by the atomization of the liquid, which can be adjusted in various ways by means of at least one atomizing element (40). Furthermore, the invention describes a method for applying plant protection products.