Agricultural Sprayer Boom Imaging for Nozzle Spray Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spraying systems lack comprehensive assessment of nozzle discharge, which affects the uniformity and efficiency of fluid application on agricultural implements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of cameras and lights on the boom arm of agricultural sprayers to capture spray patterns, allowing for real-time measurement and analysis of spray angles, plugging, and flow rates of individual nozzles, with optional pressure and flow sensors for calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are installed to measure flow rate and pressure throughout the spraying system, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex internal sensors and implements it through external imaging technology. Cameras mounted on the boom arm capture spray patterns externally, eliminating the need for complex flow rate and pressure sensors while maintaining measurement capability. This reduces device complexity by removing multiple sensors and their associated wiring and calibration systems.
2Measurement precision
If cameras and lights are added to capture spray patterns, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an optical copy of the spray pattern using cameras and lights. Instead of directly measuring physical parameters with complex sensors, the system captures visual images of the spray patterns and analyzes them to determine spray characteristics. This copying approach simplifies the measurement system while improving precision through digital image analysis.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive nozzle discharge assessment is implemented, then spray uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where cameras continuously monitor spray patterns and provide real-time data on nozzle performance. This feedback enables automatic detection of spray uniformity issues and allows for immediate adjustment or identification of problematic nozzles, improving spray uniformity without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A spraying system that includes at least one camera to determine for at least one nozzle spray angle, average of spray angle, standard deviation of spray angle, relative pressure, absolute pressure, relative flow rate, absolute flow rate, percent plugged, and/or spray pattern uniformity/variability of the spray from the at least one nozzle.