Agricultural Sprayer Fluid Allocation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray fluid operation systems for agricultural sprayers lack advanced control mechanisms for optimizing fluid management, leading to inefficiencies in fluid distribution and usage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for operating a spray fluid operation system that includes a pump and control system to manage fluid levels by allocating second pumped fluid between return devices based on fluid level measurements, ensuring efficient fluid distribution and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pump system is applied to convey spray fluid from the fluid reservoir to the dispensing flow system, then the spray material can be delivered to the field, but fluid management efficiency and distribution optimization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a level measuring device that continuously monitors the fluid level in the reservoir and provides feedback to the control device. This feedback mechanism enables the control device to automatically adjust the allocation ratio of pumped fluid between the dispensing flow system and backflow system, optimizing fluid management without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the allocation ratio of fluid distribution based on real-time fluid level measurements. The control device modifies the operation of return devices and dispensing elements according to current conditions, enabling adaptive fluid management that responds to changing reservoir levels during operation.
2Reliability
If fluid level control is implemented to optimize fluid distribution, then spray fluid usage efficiency is improved, but additional control mechanisms and measurement devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
A level measuring device is integrated into the system to continuously monitor the fluid level in the reservoir. This measurement feedback is processed by the control device, which automatically adjusts fluid allocation between dispensing and return systems, achieving reliable fluid distribution optimization through automated control rather than complex manual management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-regulation of fluid distribution by using the level measuring device and control device to automatically adjust allocation ratios based on real-time fluid levels. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for external intervention and simplifies operational complexity while maintaining reliable fluid management.
3Loss of substance
If backflow system is used to return pumped fluid to the fluid reservoir, then fluid circulation is achieved, but without allocation control fluid waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives feedback from the level measuring device regarding fluid levels in the reservoir. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically adjusts the allocation ratio of fluid returned to the reservoir versus fluid delivered to the dispensing system, reducing fluid waste through intelligent control without requiring complex manual allocation decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual fluid allocation control with an automated control device that uses electronic signals to adjust valve positions and pump operations. This substitution of mechanical manual control with automated electronic control simplifies operation while achieving precise fluid waste reduction through allocation optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A spray fluid operation system for an agricultural sprayer and method for operating same is disclosed. The method comprising: providing a spray fluid in a reservoir; and conveying at least one of the spray fluid and an additional fluid into a fluid flow system by a pump and control system (PCS). The fluid flow system comprising a dispensing device configured to dispense a first pumped fluid from the PCS to a field, and a backflow system configured to pipe second pumped fluid from the PCS back to the reservoir. The method further comprises: determining a fluid level in the reservoir; receiving the fluid level in a control device; generating the second pumped fluid by the PCS; and controlling allocation of the second pumped fluid according to an allocation ratio to: a first return device and a second return device configured to return the second pumped fluid to the reservoir.