Agricultural Sprayer Nozzle Control via Dual-Link Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nozzle control systems in agricultural sprayers are slow to turn on and off, resulting in inefficiencies when spraying near headlands or areas requiring targeted application, such as weeds or nitrogen deficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system with a computing system that includes a spray controller outside the nozzle body and a nozzle controller within, allowing for direct communication and control of the nozzle actuator via two separate links: one for independent control of each nozzle assembly and another for quick activation/deactivation when specific conditions are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single-level controller is used to control nozzle operation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the response speed of nozzle activation and deactivation becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent levels: a spray controller positioned outside the nozzle body for high-speed direct control, and a nozzle controller positioned within the nozzle body for independent nozzle management. This segmentation enables the spray controller to directly actuate nozzles without intermediate processing delays, achieving faster response speed while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle controller serves as an intermediary component between the spray controller and the actuator. It receives commands from the spray controller and translates them into appropriate actuator signals. This intermediary layer enables complex control logic to be distributed while maintaining fast response through the direct spray controller-to-actuator pathway when rapid response is critical
2Loss of substance
If nozzles are deactivated at headlands, then fluid waste on non-crop areas is reduced, but the sprayer travels several feet into the headland before nozzles shut off
Solution Approach 1:
The spray controller is positioned to receive advance notice of upcoming headland areas through GPS or other positioning systems. This enables the controller to initiate nozzle deactivation commands before the sprayer actually reaches the headland, ensuring nozzles are already closed by the time the vehicle enters the non-crop area, thereby eliminating fluid waste without delay
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from positioning systems that continuously monitor the sprayer's location and provide real-time information to the spray controller. This feedback loop enables the controller to dynamically adjust nozzle operation based on the sprayer's proximity to headlands, ensuring timely deactivation exactly when needed to prevent fluid waste
3Manufacturing precision
If nozzles are activated for new passes, then complete field coverage is achieved, but the sprayer travels several feet into the field before nozzles turn on
Solution Approach 1:
The spray controller receives advance positioning data indicating the approach to a new field pass. This enables the controller to pre-activate nozzles before the sprayer enters the area requiring coverage, ensuring that spray application begins immediately when the sprayer reaches the target location, thereby achieving precise application without delay
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time feedback from GPS and positioning systems provides continuous location information to the spray controller. This feedback enables the controller to precisely determine when to activate nozzles based on the sprayer's exact position relative to the field boundary, ensuring activation occurs at the optimal moment for complete coverage without overshooting or delay
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural sprayer includes a nozzle assembly having a nozzle body, a valve moveably positioned within the nozzle body, and an actuator configured to move the valve within the nozzle body. Additionally, the agricultural sprayer includes a computing system having a spray controller positioned outside of the nozzle body and a nozzle controller positioned within the nozzle body. The spray controller is communicatively coupled to the nozzle controller such that the spray controller is configured to transmit control signals to the nozzle controller via a first communicative link, with the nozzle being controller configured to control an operation of the actuator based on the control signals received from the spray controller. Moreover, the spray controller is communicatively coupled to the actuator such that the spray controller is configured to directly control the operation of the actuator via a second communicative link independently of the nozzle controller.