Spray Boom Nozzle Holder With Vibration-Based Clog Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural spray booms suffer from nozzle clogging due to build-up of suspended deposits, leading to incomplete spraying and user stress from frequent manual checks, and existing systems lack effective real-time clog detection.
Innovation Solution
A spray boom equipped with nozzle holders containing vibration sensors that measure and compare vibrations to determine clog states, using piezoelectric sensors and amplification devices to enhance vibration detection, and a computing unit for automated clog detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration sensors and computing units are added to detect nozzle clogs, then clog detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection of nozzles with an automated vibration-based detection system. Vibration sensors mounted on the spray boom detect characteristic vibration patterns that indicate nozzle clogging, and a computing unit processes these signals to identify clogged nozzles. This substitutes the mechanical/visual checking process with an automated sensor-based system, improving reliability while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
2Reliability
If manual inspection of nozzles is performed frequently to detect clogs, then clog detection accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration sensor system operates continuously throughout the spraying operation, constantly monitoring for clog conditions. This eliminates the need for periodic manual inspections and provides uninterrupted detection capability. The system processes vibration signals in real-time, ensuring continuous awareness of nozzle status without interrupting the spraying workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring by automatically detecting nozzle clogging conditions through vibration analysis. The computing unit autonomously processes sensor data, identifies clog patterns, and can trigger alerts or adjustments without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operator time spent on manual checks while maintaining high detection accuracy.
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 real-time detection of nozzle clogs without manual inspection, ensuring homogeneous spraying and reducing user stress by alerting clogs through signals.
Implementation Method 1
the vibration sensor is a piezoelectric sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a spraying system for an agricultural sprayer, comprising a spray boom having a nozzle holder comprising a body housing a spray product inlet duct configured to be supplied with spray product, a nozzle for said product comprising an outlet orifice for said product and configured to be supplied with product via the inlet duct and to convey said product towards said outlet orifice, a vibration sensor; said boom being configured to spray product through said nozzle; said sensor being configured to measure the vibrations of the body, said spraying system further comprising a computing unit configured to compare the vibration measurement with a reference signal to determine the clog state of said nozzle.