Unitary Tubular Spray Pipe with Saddle Fitting for Boom Sprayer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern agricultural sprayers face complexity in manufacturing and assembly due to numerous joints and alignment requirements in spray pipe systems, which increases manufacturing difficulty and inventory needs.
Innovation Solution
The use of unitary tubular spray pipes with saddle fittings and inset aspirators simplifies the assembly process by reducing the number of joints and eliminating the need for secondary alignment, allowing for a continuous pipe length and easier alignment of nozzles and aspirators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spray pipes are assembled using multiple pipe sections with unions or couplers, then the spray system can be configured for different boom lengths and flow capacities, but the number of joints increases and alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spray pipe system is divided into modular spray pipe assemblies that can be selectively installed on different boom sections. Each assembly is self-contained with pre-positioned nozzles and aspirators, allowing flexible configuration for different boom lengths and flow capacities while maintaining simple assembly through standardized mounting locations.
2Ease of manufacture
If threaded connections or welding are used to couple pipe sections, then the spray pipes can be assembled, but the alignment of openings between mating sections becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzles and aspirators are pre-positioned and secured to the spray pipe at predetermined locations during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for field alignment of multiple pipe sections, as each assembly arrives pre-configured with precise positioning already accomplished.
3Reliability
If flow control components such as valves and aspirators are coupled to spray pipes, then proper flow through the spray pipes is improved, but the number of joints increases and locating spray outlets becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The aspirator and nozzle are combined into a single integrated assembly that is mounted as one unit to the spray pipe. This merging eliminates separate joints for each component and simplifies the locating and installation process while maintaining proper flow control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A boom spray assembly, such as for an agricultural sprayer, has a feed pipe and a spray pipe with a continuous tubular body. The tubular body has at least one facial feed opening therein between the ends opening along a second axis at an angle to a first axis of the tubular body. A saddle fitting is coupled to the spray pipe that defines a first passageway extending along the first axis to receive the tubular body and defines a second passageway extending along the second axis in registration with the at least one facial feed opening and receiving spray material from the at least one feed pipe. At least one spray nozzle is coupled to the tubular body of the at least one pipe in communication with the first and second passageways.