Sprayer Boom Cleaning Station for Clogged Nozzle Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural sprayer nozzles often become clogged during operation, leading to reduced spraying efficiency and potential hazards for operators when manually clearing clogs, as current methods are time-consuming and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system for agricultural sprayers, featuring a cleaning station with valves for compressed air and cleaning fluid, positioned on the sprayer boom for easy access, allowing for quick and safe removal of plugs and nozzle cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of clogged nozzles is used, then nozzles can be cleared, but the process is time-consuming and potentially hazardous for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning where the nozzle assembly cleans itself through integrated cleaning fluid delivery and compressed air blowout mechanisms, eliminating the need for operator intervention and manual cleaning operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cleaning operations with an automated system using cleaning fluid delivery and compressed air systems to clear clogged nozzles, substituting operator actions with mechanical automation
2Productivity
If manual cleaning of clogged nozzles is performed, then clogs can be removed, but the process is potentially hazardous for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly performs self-cleaning operations through integrated cleaning fluid delivery and compressed air systems, eliminating operator exposure to hazardous cleaning processes while maintaining spraying efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces cleaning fluid and compressed air as intermediary substances to clear clogs, replacing direct operator contact with hazardous materials and processes with indirect automated cleaning mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If a cleaning system with multiple valves and circuits is added, then nozzle cleaning capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning functions (cleaning fluid delivery, compressed air supply, and nozzle cleaning) into an integrated cleaning station, merging separate systems into a unified structure that simplifies operation despite multiple internal components
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning station serves multiple functions including cleaning fluid storage and delivery, compressed air supply, and nozzle cleaning operations, consolidating what would otherwise require separate systems into a single multi-functional unit
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 enables efficient and safe cleaning of clogged nozzles, improving spraying quality and operator safety by providing a dedicated station for cleaning, reducing downtime and hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed air supply configured to provide compressed air, a cleaning station supported on the agricultural sprayer, and a cleaning air circuit. The cleaning station has a first valve and the cleaning air circuit fluidly couples the first valve and the compressed air supply. The compressed air valve is configured to supply compressed air therethrough when the first valve is in an open position.
Implementation Method 2
a first cleaning fluid tank configured to hold a first cleaning fluid, a nozzle assembly fluid circuit fluidly coupling the plurality of nozzle assemblies and the first cleaning fluid tank, a cleaning station supported on the sprayer boom, and a first cleaning fluid circuit. The cleaning station has a first valve, and the first cleaning fluid circuit fluidly couples the first valve and the first cleaning fluid tank. The first valve is configured to supply the first cleaning fluid therethrough when the first valve is in an open position.
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system for an agricultural sprayer may include a sprayer boom, a plurality of nozzle assemblies provided in association with the sprayer boom and configured to dispense an agricultural product during a spraying operation of the agricultural sprayer, a first cleaning fluid tank configured to hold a first cleaning fluid, and a nozzle assembly fluid circuit fluidly coupling the plurality of nozzle assemblies and the first cleaning fluid tank. Moreover, the cleaning system may include a cleaning station supported on the sprayer boom, the cleaning station comprising a first valve. Additionally, the cleaning system may include a first cleaning fluid circuit fluidly coupling the first valve and the first cleaning fluid tank. The first valve is configured to supply the first cleaning fluid therethrough when the first valve is in an open position.