Spray Nozzle Device Segmentation for Uniform Fluid Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray nozzle technologies using pulse signals to control fluid flow result in spotty spray patterns due to long dead times and inadequate response of the actuator, leading to issues such as fluid leakage and uneven application in agricultural and manufacturing settings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a time-modulated or frequency-modulated electronic signal control system that interleaves multiple pulse width modulated signals to control fluid flow in a single nozzle, allowing for faster and more uniform fluid release by varying the duration and frequency of valve openings and closings, thereby increasing the effective frequency of fluid ejection and maintaining constant pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If pulse signal frequency is increased to improve response speed, then fluid flow control improves, but actuator cannot respond fast enough and fluid leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single nozzle into multiple independent nozzle sections (first nozzle section, second nozzle section, etc.), each controlled by its own valve. This segmentation allows each valve to operate at lower frequencies within its responsive range while the combined effect achieves high-frequency spray control, resolving the contradiction between response speed and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal frequency control (single valve at high frequency) to spatial-multiplexed control (multiple valves operating in parallel at lower frequencies). By adding the spatial dimension of multiple nozzle sections, the system achieves effective high-frequency control without exceeding individual actuator capabilities, preventing fluid leakage.
2Manufacturing precision
If pulse signal frequency is increased to reduce dead time, then spray uniformity improves, but spotty spray patterns occur due to actuator limitations
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the nozzle into multiple sections with independently controlled valves, the system can coordinate valve operations to maintain continuous spray coverage. Each valve operates within its optimal frequency range, avoiding the spotty patterns that occur when a single valve is pushed beyond its response capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements overlapping spray patterns from multiple nozzle sections to ensure continuous fluid application. By coordinating the pulse signals to different valves, the system maintains uninterrupted spray coverage, eliminating dead times and spotty patterns while preserving spray uniformity.
3Device complexity
If single valve operation is used to simplify control, then device complexity is reduced, but effective frequency of fluid ejection is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the nozzle into multiple sections, each with its own valve and control circuitry. This segmentation enables parallel operation of multiple valves, effectively multiplying the fluid ejection frequency while distributing the control complexity across independent, identical control units that can be managed systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
Each nozzle section is designed as a universal, identical module with the same valve and control characteristics. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high effective frequency through parallel operation of identical units, simplifying control logic while dramatically increasing productivity compared to a single valve system.
Data Source
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Figure 1A~2A
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A spray nozzle device, a spray boom and an operating method for a spray nozzle device is disclosed. The spray nozzle device comprises a single nozzle (100, 200) having a fluid inlet (20, 206), at least one fluid outlet (40, 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 122) and multiple valves (30, 32, 34, 104A, 104B) that couple the fluid inlet (20, 206) to the at least one fluid outlet (40, 120A, 120B, 120C, 120D, 122) based on an open or closed position of at least one of the multiple valves (30, 32, 34, 104A, 104B), electronic traces that receive modulated duration signals (3, 5, 7), wherein a first electronic trace contacts a first of the multiple valves (30, 32, 34, 104A, 104B) to control its open or closed position, and a second electronic trace contacts a second of the multiple valves (30, 32, 34, 104A, 104B) to control its open or closed position; and the first of the multiple valves (30, 32, 34, 104A, 104B) is configured to move to a first open position in a different phase relationship with respect to a second open position of the second of the multiple valves (30, 32, 34, 104A, 104B), wherein the first open position and second open position are based on a duration and a polarity of the modulated duration signals (3, 5, 7) on the first electronic trace and on the second electronic trace, respectively. Furthermore, a spray boom is equipped with such a spray nozzle device and a method is defined for operating the above mentioned spray nozzle device.