Agricultural Sprayer Ring Line Segmentation for Fast Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural field sprayers face challenges in achieving part-area-specific treatment with multiple active substances due to limited nozzle configurations, leading to uneven distribution and long reaction times, especially at high speeds, and are costly and complex to maintain.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates at least one outlet line and a ring line with separate pumps for each, connected via control valves to allow adjustable and fast distribution of multiple carrier liquids and active substances through a distributor linkage with multiple mixing chambers, enabling precise control and reduced response times without increasing the number of nozzles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single ring main is used to connect the mixing chamber to the nozzles, then the system structure is simplified, but significant delays occur when switching the machine on and off, leading to temporary uneven distribution of the application liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The single ring main is divided into multiple parallel ring mains (first ring main and second ring main). Each ring main can be independently controlled, allowing selective activation of specific nozzles. This segmentation enables faster response times when switching between different application zones while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent fluid circuits are provided for different active ingredients, then site-specific treatment capability is improved, but the system becomes very complex, expensive, and requires extensive cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzles are connected to a single shared fluid circuit that can supply different active ingredients through a common mixing chamber. The system achieves versatility by controlling which nozzles receive fluid from the shared circuit, rather than requiring separate circuits for each active ingredient. This reduces system complexity while maintaining the capability for site-specific treatment.
3Area of stationary object
If application nozzles are located further away from the supply line, then coverage area is improved, but the nozzles are supplied with active ingredient more slowly, resulting in time lag
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution system is segmented into multiple parallel ring mains that extend the supply capability to distant nozzles. By providing multiple independent pathways (first ring main and second ring main), the system reduces the effective distance and resistance for fluid delivery to remote nozzles, enabling faster supply response while maintaining extended coverage area.
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 configuration allows for efficient, part-area-specific treatment with precise concentration control and reduced reaction times, improving distribution quality and reducing operational complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
with the liquid transport in both lines being carried out by at least one pump
Implementation Method 2
whereby at least one further active ingredient is produced or stored by means of at least one mixing chamber
Implementation Method 3
at least one connection between the outlet line and the ring line in the area of the distribution boom, wherein this connection is provided with a control valve
Implementation Method 4
Several nozzle assemblies with application nozzles attached to them are arranged on the distribution boom... wherein they generate a spray cone directed towards the crop
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural field sprayer (10) and a method for applying liquids are disclosed.The field sprayer (10) consists of: • - at least one outlet line (30) and a ring line (34), to which at least one pump (32) driven by a power source is assigned for conveying various carrier liquids and/or active ingredients along these lines, • - a distribution boom (22) with application nozzles (24) assigned to it, which are connected at least to the outlet line (30), and wherein the ring line (34) is guided along the distribution boom (22), • - at least one mixing chamber (36), which is connected to the ring line (34) and forms a circuit, for storing and mixing the carrier liquids and/or active ingredient concentrates supplied to it, wherein at least one supply device (42) designed as an adjustable metering device (40), which is designed so that at least one active ingredient concentrate can be supplied to the mixing chamber (36) in an adjustable manner, is assigned to it.In order to enable site-specific treatment with at least two different carrier liquids and/or active ingredients, it is provided that at least one control valve (50) is arranged between the outlet line (30) and the ring line (34) for metered supply of the carrier liquid and/or the active ingredient conveyed in the ring line (34) to the outlet line (30) and/or to the application nozzles (24).