Agricultural Sprayer Nozzle Control for Variable Partial Widths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural field sprayers face limitations in flexibility and precision when applying spray liquids, particularly when cornering, due to fixed nozzle configurations and limited variability in application rates, leading to potential underdosing or overdosing and restricted gradation of application quantities.
Innovation Solution
The nozzle holders can be dynamically assigned variable partial widths based on parameters such as speed intervals, spray properties, and environmental data, allowing for continuous adaptation and fine-grading of application rates through open-loop and closed-loop control systems, enabling overlapping spray jets or fans to achieve target application rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed nozzle configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability and precision of application rates deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic assignment of nozzles to variable partial widths based on speed intervals and spray properties. The control system continuously adjusts which nozzles are active and their assigned width ranges according to real-time operating conditions, transforming a static nozzle configuration into a dynamic system that adapts to changing requirements without increasing physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (partial width assignments, speed intervals, spray properties) rather than physical nozzle configurations. By varying the assigned width parameters and activation criteria for existing nozzles, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining a simple fixed physical structure
2Manufacturing precision
If limited number of nozzle holders are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and gradation of application quantities deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the application area into variable partial widths and assigns different nozzle holders to different segments dynamically. This segmentation allows precise control over application quantities in different zones without requiring a large number of nozzles, achieving fine gradation through spatial division rather than through increasing nozzle count
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reassigns nozzles to different partial width segments based on speed intervals and spray properties. This dynamic reassignment enables the same physical nozzles to achieve multiple application rates and gradations by changing their operational parameters rather than adding more nozzles
3Adaptability or versatility
If nozzle holders are assigned to fixed partial widths, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system changes the operational parameters of nozzle holder assignments based on detected speed intervals and spray properties. Rather than requiring complex physical reconfiguration, the system adapts to different operating conditions (including cornering) by dynamically adjusting the assigned partial widths and activation criteria for each nozzle holder
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from speed detection and spray property monitoring to dynamically adjust nozzle holder assignments. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adaptation to changing operating conditions without manual intervention or complex mechanical reconfiguration systems
Data Source
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AI summary
Spraying device, in particular an agricultural field sprayer, for applying spray liquid containing an active ingredient to an agricultural area (N), comprising at least one boom (100) which is preferably formed from several articulated sections (102a-102g) connected to each other, several nozzle holders (10) arranged on the boom (100), wherein a nozzle holder (10) comprises at least one nozzle, and at least one control unit which is configured to activate and/or control the nozzle holders (10) depending on a speed and/or rotation rate and/or an adjustable target application rate such that each nozzle holder (10), in particular nozzle, along the boom (100) has an application rate of the spray liquid whose deviation from the target application rate is minimal, preferably zero.In order to improve the application of spray liquid with a spraying device, it is provided that the nozzle holders (10), especially when cornering, can be assigned to partial widths depending on at least one parameter, preferably variable.