Sprayer Boom Recirculation Loops for Local Mixing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural sprayers face challenges in localized mixing of agricultural products near product dispensers without a supply tank, leading to issues like settling and coagulation, and recirculation systems contaminate carrier fluids by introducing mixed solutions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing recirculation networks within sprayer boom tubes that isolate agricultural solutions from supply tanks, using separate recirculation pumps to maintain concentration locally and enhance mixing through capillary bridges for rapid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a supply tank is used to store mixed agricultural solutions, then the solutions can be transported and dispensed, but settling and coagulation of agricultural products occur in the tank
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the storage function into two separate components: a supply tank for carrier fluid and separate reservoirs for agricultural products. This segmentation prevents mixing and settling issues that would occur in a single tank containing the complete mixed solution.
Solution Approach 2:
Agricultural products are introduced into the carrier fluid stream upstream of the boom tubes, creating mixed solutions locally at the point of use rather than transporting pre-mixed solutions from a supply tank. This preliminary action ensures products are distributed before reaching the dispensing system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If recirculation systems are implemented to prevent settling, then mixing is improved, but carrier fluid becomes contaminated with mixed agricultural solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation system is segmented into separate loops: one for carrier fluid in the supply tank and another for mixed solutions in the boom tubes. This prevents contamination by keeping the recirculation paths distinct.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful mixed agricultural solutions are extracted from the carrier fluid supply system and confined to separate boom tube reservoirs. This extraction eliminates the contamination pathway while preserving the beneficial recirculation effect in the boom tubes.
3Ease of operation
If agricultural products are mixed with carrier fluid in separate reservoirs, then localized mixing control is improved, but settling and coagulation occurs without a supply tank recirculation system
Solution Approach 1:
Agricultural products are introduced into the carrier fluid stream upstream of the boom tubes, creating mixed solutions locally at the point of use rather than transporting pre-mixed solutions from a supply tank. This preliminary action ensures products are distributed before reaching the dispensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary mixing zone within the boom tubes where carrier fluid and agricultural products combine before reaching the dispensing nozzles. This intermediary location allows controlled mixing without the instability problems of large storage tanks.
4Ease of repair
If extensive volumes of water are used to clean the supply tank, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but water consumption and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into separate cleanable components: the supply tank for carrier fluid and separate boom tube reservoirs for agricultural products. This segmentation allows targeted cleaning of only the contaminated boom tubes rather than the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The contaminated mixed agricultural solutions are extracted and confined to separate boom tube reservoirs that can be independently cleaned. This extraction eliminates the need to clean the large supply tank, dramatically reducing water consumption and cleaning time.
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 solution allows for localized recirculation and mixing of agricultural products near sprayer booms, maintaining concentration and preventing contamination of carrier fluids, with rapid distribution of updated solutions to product dispensers.
Implementation Method 1
pumping agricultural solution in the sprayer boom tube through a continuous recirculation loop with a network pump
Implementation Method 2
capillary bridges spanning between the proximal and distal portions of the sprayer boom tube
Data Source
AI summary
A product dispensing system includes at least one recirculation network configured for communication with a system pump. The at least one recirculation network includes at least one sprayer boom tube and a plurality of product dispensers distributed along the at least one sprayer boom tube. A network pump is in communication with the at least one sprayer boom tube. The at least one recirculation network includes a dispensing configuration and a recirculation configuration. In the dispensing configuration the recirculation network is configured for communication with a supply tank and an agricultural product reservoir. In the recirculation configuration the recirculation network is isolated from the supply tank and the agricultural product reservoir, and the recirculation network includes a recirculation loop continuously extending through the network pump and the at least one sprayer boom tube.