Sprayer Distribution System Reducing Valve Count via Pulse Width Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current field sprayer systems require numerous expensive valves for pulse width modulation, leading to high costs and potential damage from contact with plant protection agents, while also limiting the ability to generate varied application patterns and droplet spectra without compromising distribution quality.
Innovation Solution
A distribution system with a single switching element controlled by variable pulse width modulation, supplying two spray nozzles spaced apart, allowing for a larger working width with reduced switching elements and maintaining distribution quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If each spray nozzle is assigned a separate valve for pulse width modulation, then the application rate can be precisely controlled for each nozzle, but the number of valves increases significantly leading to high costs and increased system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple nozzles (specifically two nozzles) into a single controllable unit by assigning one valve to control both nozzles simultaneously. This merging approach reduces the total number of valves required while maintaining precise application rate control through the shared valve's pulse width modulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling multiple nozzles. This multi-functional valve can regulate the flow to different nozzles with varying flow rates through pulse width modulation, allowing one valve to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate valves.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are installed to control multiple nozzles for varied application patterns, then the system can generate different droplet spectra and application rates, but the cost increases to up to €900 per meter of working width
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple nozzles under a single valve control, the patent significantly reduces the bill of materials and system cost. The reduction in valve count directly translates to lower component costs, reduced wiring requirements, and lower installation complexity, bringing the cost down from €900 per meter to a economically viable level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pulse width modulation with periodic switching action to control the valve. By varying the duty cycle of the periodic signal, the system can achieve different average flow rates to the nozzles, enabling varied application patterns and droplet spectra without requiring multiple valves for each pattern.
3Reliability
If numerous valves are used for precise control of each nozzle, then individual nozzle performance can be optimized, but the valves are damaged by contact with plant protection agents affecting spray nozzle performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of valves from multiple to just one, thereby minimizing the total valve surface area that can be exposed to and damaged by plant protection agents. Fewer valves mean fewer potential failure points and reduced cumulative damage from chemical exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve acts as a centralized control point that can be positioned in a location less exposed to direct contact with plant protection agents compared to individual valves at each nozzle. This intermediary positioning reduces the valve's exposure to harmful chemicals while maintaining control over all nozzles.
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
This approach significantly reduces the number of switching elements required, lowers costs, and maintains or improves the ability to generate varied application patterns and droplet spectra, while preventing valve damage from plant protection agents.
Implementation Method 1
the spraying liquid is conveyed from the reservoir by means of a pump with variably adjustable and/or constantly regulated pressure along a liquid line
Implementation Method 2
a switching element controlled by means of a variably variable pulse width modulation is assigned to or downstream of the liquid line
Implementation Method 3
These nozzles are used to atomize the spraying liquid and to distribute it as spray solution
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a distribution system (12) for an agricultural field sprayer (10) for applying spray liquids, comprising at least one reservoir (22) for providing the respective spray liquid, wherein the spray liquid is conveyed from the reservoir (22) by means of a pump (36) with variably variable pressure along a liquid line (32) guided on a spray boom mounted on the field sprayer (10), thereby supplying spray nozzles (34) with spray liquid in order to provide a distribution system for an agricultural field sprayer for applying spray liquid in which the advantages brought about by pulse width modulation in the application of plant protection products are present, but this is achieved with a minimal number of switching elements for generating a pulse width without negatively affecting the distribution quality.that a switching element (38) controlled by a variably variable pulse width modulation is associated with or downstream of the fluid line (32), and that at least two spray nozzles (34) spaced apart from each other and in fluid communication with the switching element (38) are downstream of it. The invention also relates to a method for dispensing spray liquids.