Sprayer Vehicle Liquid Distribution System with Water Quality Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-propelled crop sprayers lack effective means to monitor and ensure the quality of the liquid being distributed, which can lead to uneven application and potential crop damage.
Innovation Solution
A liquid distribution system for a sprayer vehicle that includes a product tank, a pump, a plurality of nozzles carried by a boom, a recirculation line, a bypass line, and at least one water quality sensor. The system allows for the measurement of water quality properties of the liquid flowing through the bypass line, enabling real-time monitoring and reporting to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If water quality monitoring is added to the liquid distribution system, then liquid distribution reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating water quality sensors that continuously monitor liquid properties (pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, ammonia, chlorine, nitrate, sulfite, total organic carbon) and provide real-time data to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of liquid distribution parameters to maintain optimal water quality, thereby improving reliability while managing complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a control system that acts as a mediator between the water quality sensors and the liquid distribution mechanism. This intermediary processes sensor data and coordinates appropriate responses, distributing the complexity management function and enabling reliable monitoring without directly increasing the physical complexity of the distribution system itself.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time water quality monitoring is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback to achieve manufacturing precision by continuously measuring water quality parameters and using this information to adjust liquid distribution in real-time. The control system receives sensor data, compares it against target values, and modifies distribution parameters accordingly, ensuring precise and consistent liquid application while managing system complexity through automated control loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual monitoring and adjustment mechanisms with automated electronic sensing and control systems. Instead of mechanical or manual methods for ensuring liquid quality, the system uses electronic sensors and digital control, substituting complex mechanical adjustment procedures with more precise and manageable electronic systems that improve precision while centralizing complexity management.
3Measurement precision
If multiple water quality sensors are installed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional sensor system that can monitor multiple water quality parameters (pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, ammonia, chlorine, nitrate, sulfite, total organic carbon) using an integrated approach. This universal sensing capability provides comprehensive measurement precision while managing complexity through a unified system architecture that handles multiple measurements through coordinated control rather than separate independent systems.
Data Source
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AI summary
A liquid distribution system for a sprayer vehicle includes a product tank configured to contain a liquid and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; a pump in fluid communication with the product tank; a plurality of nozzles carried by a boom; a recirculation line connecting the fluid outlet, the pump, at least some of the plurality of nozzles, and the fluid inlet; a bypass line connected at an upstream connection and a downstream connection to the recirculation line; and at least one water quality sensor configured to detect a water quality property of liquid flowing through the bypass line. Related vehicles and methods are also disclosed.