Agricultural Sprayer Fluid Control via Touchscreen HMI and Rules Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex agricultural sprayer systems with mechanical switches are difficult to operate, leading to potential system integrity compromises and errors, especially for new operators, due to the complexity and length of conductor arrays required for remote control.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow monitoring and control system with a touchscreen HMI for real-time visual monitoring and control of valve activation/deactivation, including a rules engine to prevent erroneous states, allowing coordinated control of multiple tasks without a field computer, using electronically actuated ball valves and pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mechanical switches with long conductor arrays are used for remote control of spray components, then control capability is achieved, but operator ease of use deteriorates and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical switches and conductor arrays with electronic sensors, microprocessors, and electronic control circuits. This substitution eliminates the physical complexity of mechanical switch arrays while providing more intuitive electronic control interfaces, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electronic sensors to create electrical copies of the mechanical switch states and system conditions. These electronic signals are processed and displayed to the operator, providing control without requiring physical connection to each component, thus simplifying the operator interface while maintaining full control capability.
2Reliability
If mechanical switches are used for controlling multiple spray sections, then control capability is achieved, but error prevention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates electronic sensors that continuously monitor system state and provide feedback to the microprocessor. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of erroneous conditions (such as pump operation without fluid flow) and allows the system to prevent or alert operators to potential errors, enhancing reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automatic monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The microprocessor-based control system performs preliminary checks and validations before allowing certain operations. For example, the system can detect potential error conditions in advance and prevent them from occurring, or alert operators before problematic actions are taken, thereby improving error prevention capability without complicating the operator interface.
3Device complexity
If electronically actuated valves and pumps are controlled without a field computer, then system complexity is reduced, but coordination capability of multiple tasks may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a microprocessor that serves multiple functions: controlling valve actuation, monitoring fluid flow, detecting errors, coordinating rinse operations, and managing air purge sequences. This single multi-functional control unit replaces the need for a dedicated field computer while maintaining comprehensive coordination capability across all spray sections and auxiliary systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate control functions (valve control, flow monitoring, error detection, rinse coordination) into an integrated microprocessor-based control system. This merging eliminates the need for a separate field computer while maintaining all necessary coordination capabilities through unified electronic control of all system components.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid flow monitoring and control system for a self-propelled applicator which may be a sprayer and is configured to allow real-time visual monitoring of graphical representations of system statuses, control of the systems, and coordinated control instructions for multiple tasks through a single user input or command. The fluid flow monitoring and control system may include a touchscreen HMI providing electronic control and monitoring for the systems and components of the applicator. A rules engine may be implemented to prevent erroneous states, such as activating a pump without fluid flow to the pump as a rule implemented interlock to prevent inadvertent rapid component wear or other compromises of system integrity.