Agricultural Sprayer Purge Cycle Using Compressed Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural sprayer systems face challenges in efficiently removing residual products and minimizing contamination risks when switching between different chemicals or after use, as residue can remain in the sprayer system.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sprayer system that incorporates a solution circuit, an air circuit with compressed air, and a control system to manage the flow of solutions and air pressure, allowing for a spray cycle that includes recirculation and air pressure application to purge residual solutions from the system, thereby reducing the amount of chemical left in the sprayer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If compressed air is introduced into the solution circuit to force solution through the system, then residual chemical volume is reduced, but system complexity increases due to additional air circuit and control valve requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air circuit and solution circuit into a single integrated system with a control valve that manages both fluid flows. The control valve serves dual functions: directing solution flow during spraying and introducing compressed air for purging residual chemicals. This merging approach reduces the need for separate independent systems while achieving the goal of minimizing residual chemical volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic pressure from a compressed air source to force the solution through the solution circuit and out of the spray nozzles. By introducing compressed air into the solution circuit, the system leverages gas pressure to expel residual liquids, effectively reducing chemical waste without requiring additional mechanical pumping or manual draining mechanisms.
2Extent of automation
If control valve is used to manage flow of solution and compressed air, then spray cycle control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed as a multi-functional component that handles both solution flow control during the spray cycle and air flow introduction during the purging cycle. This universal component performs multiple tasks: regulating solution pressure, directing air flow into the circuit, and managing the transition between spraying and purging modes. By consolidating these functions into a single valve, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve dynamically switches between different flow configurations based on the operational phase. During the spray cycle, it maintains solution flow while isolating the air circuit. During the purging cycle, it redirects to allow compressed air into the solution circuit. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables automated cycle management, allowing the system to adapt its internal flow paths in real-time without requiring multiple static valves or complex mechanical switching mechanisms.
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 effectively reduces the residual chemical volume in the sprayer system by approximately 50%, enhancing the utilization of the chemical solution and simplifying the rinsing process, making it easier to manage and remove remaining substances.
Implementation Method 1
an air circuit including air lines and a source of compressed air to selectively introduce air pressure into the solution circuit
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural sprayer system includes a solution circuit including solution lines and a fluid pump to pump a solution from the solution tank through the solution lines to the spray nozzles; an air circuit including air lines and a source of compressed air to selectively introduce air pressure into the solution circuit; and a control system including a controller configured to control flow of the solution and the compressed air. The controller is configured to perform a spray cycle in which, during a primary portion, a control valve is controlled to isolate the air circuit from the solution circuit so that the solution is pumped by the fluid pump from the solution tank to the spray nozzles, and in which, during an air pressure application portion, the control valve is controlled so that the solution is forced through the solution circuit by the compressed air.