Agricultural Spray Valve Assembly With Drain-Back Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pesticide application systems in orchards and vineyards are inefficient, leading to significant agrochemical waste, mechanical complexity, and labor-related issues, which hinder productivity and profitability in protected agriculture.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly comprising a top valve and a bottom valve, with fluid conduits, that allows for precise control of pesticide dispensing through distinct operational states, reducing waste and mechanical complexity by eliminating recirculating loops and minimizing air consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If recirculating loop systems are used for pesticide delivery, then spray coverage is improved, but mechanical complexity and chemical waste increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the recirculating loop component from the spray system, replacing it with a linear flow path where pesticide is delivered through hoses to nozzles and then drains back to the tank without recirculation. This extraction of the complex loop mechanism eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining spray coverage through proper nozzle placement and flow control.
2Ease of operation
If manual pesticide application is used, then labor flexibility is maintained, but application speed and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system is designed to operate autonomously once positioned, with the pesticide delivery and distribution occurring automatically through the hose and nozzle system. The system self-regulates flow through the valve assembly and distributes pesticide uniformly across the target area without requiring continuous manual intervention, thereby maintaining labor flexibility while dramatically improving application speed and consistency.
3Reliability
If high volume spray delivery is used, then spray coverage is improved, but chemical waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow parameters of the spray system by implementing a linear delivery system with controlled valve regulation and drain-back functionality. This allows precise control of pesticide flow rate and distribution, delivering adequate coverage through optimized nozzle placement while minimizing excess chemical usage by eliminating the recirculation that causes waste in traditional systems.
4Ease of operation
If tractor-based sprayers are used, then mobile spray delivery is achieved, but orchard damage and productivity loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spray delivery system into portable, modular components that can be manually positioned or mounted on lightweight platforms rather than requiring heavy tractor-based systems. This segmentation allows spray application in sensitive orchard areas with minimal ground contact and reduced mechanical damage to trees and soil, while maintaining mobile delivery capability through distributed positioning of spray units.
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
The system achieves high reliability, accurate dosage control, reduces chemical waste, and simplifies maintenance, enhancing productivity and profitability in agricultural spraying operations.
Implementation Method 1
a buoyant float within each valve assembly that rises in response to liquid filling the valve assembly
Implementation Method 2
air pressure forces from air pressurizing the valve assembly via the air inlet counteract any buoyant forces and slide the buoyant float into a lower position
Implementation Method 3
Under a low applied pressure, the reed valve is closed and the piston is in an upper position preventing outflow via the discharge outlet
Implementation Method 4
Under a high applied pressure, the reed valve is closed and the piston is in a lower position allowing outflow via the discharge outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Valve assembly for agricultural spraying, related apparatus, related systems, and related methods. In accordance with an example, a valve assembly for agricultural spraying, the valve assembly includes a top valve, a bottom valve, and a fluid conduit. The top valve includes an air inlet, an air outlet, a top liquid inlet, and a top liquid outlet. The top valve provides fluid communication therethrough in at least two states. The bottom valve includes a bottom liquid inlet, a bottom liquid outlet, a discharge outlet, and a drain outlet. The bottom valve provides fluid communication therethrough in at least three states. The fluid conduit in fluid communication with the top liquid outlet and the bottom liquid inlet. The top valve and the bottom valve are in fluid communication via the fluid conduit. When the top valve is in the first state, the bottom valve is in the second state.