Sprayer Tank Lower Access Opening for Component Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing main tanks of agricultural sprayers are difficult to access for maintenance and component replacement, especially in the lower part, due to contamination and the large volume of the tank, making it challenging to reach functional components without entering the tank, which can be hazardous and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a lower access opening located below the upper manhole access opening allows external access to functional components in the lower part of the tank, facilitating maintenance and component replacement without entering the tank, using a removable closing device that seals hermetically to maintain pressure and prevent contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the tank volume is increased to extend the autonomy of the sprayer, then the autonomy is improved, but the accessibility to functional components in the lower part becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveautonomyVSAvoidaccessibility to functional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single access opening into two separate openings: an upper access opening for general access and a lower access opening specifically positioned near the bottom of the tank. This segmentation allows operators to access lower functional components (suction, drainage, mixing) through the lower opening without needing to enter the entire tank, thus maintaining ease of operation while accommodating larger tank volumes for extended autonomy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the operator enters the tank through the upper access opening to access functional components, then the accessibility is improved, but the safety deteriorates due to contamination with phytosanitary products

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to functional componentsVSAvoidcontamination with phytosanitary products
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By creating a separate lower access opening positioned close to the bottom functional components, the patent eliminates the need for operators to enter the contaminated upper space of the tank. This segmentation of access points allows maintenance of lower components (suction, drainage, mixing) to be performed from outside the tank, significantly reducing exposure to phytosanitary product contamination while maintaining full accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If an elongated tool is used to reach functional components from the upper opening, then the accessibility is maintained, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to the difficulty of the operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to functional componentsVSAvoidcomponent replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension for access by positioning the lower access opening at the bottom of the tank rather than relying on vertical reach from the top. This dimensional change in access approach allows operators to work on lower functional components from a position close to them, eliminating the need for awkward elongated tools and making component replacement operations straightforward and easy to perform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enhances accessibility and safety by allowing easier maintenance and component replacement of functional components in the lower part of the tank, reducing exposure to hazardous substances and improving operational efficiency without the need to enter the tank, thus improving the overall maintenance process.

Implementation Method 1

using a removable closing device that seals hermetically to maintain pressure and prevent contamination

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Data Source

PatentEP4406410A1Tank device for a sprayer and sprayer comprising at least one such device
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 KUHN SA
  • EP4406410A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4406410A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4406410A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a tank device for a sprayer, the device comprising, on the one hand, a tank (1) having an internal space for receiving a liquid product to be spread, a bottom (1b) and at least one side wall (1c) rising from the bottom (1b) and, on the other hand, at least one upper access opening (2), of the manhole type, provided in the upper part of the tank (1) and at least one functional component (3a, 3d, 3e) located in the internal space of the lower part of the tank (1), the upper access opening (2) having an orifice and a closing device (2b). It is characterized in that it further comprises at least one lower access opening (4) provided in the tank (1) at a level lower than that of the upper access opening (2) and allowing access, from outside the tank, to the or at least one of the functional component(s) located in the lower part of the tank.