Spring-Loaded Grounding Element for Agricultural Spray Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrostatic spray devices in agricultural settings face challenges with mobility and portability due to the need for a reliable power supply and consistent grounding, as traditional methods like metal chains can lose contact with the ground on uneven terrain or become tangled.
Innovation Solution
A grounding apparatus with a spring-loaded element biased towards the ground, coupled to a vehicle's trailer hitch, and a power supply system using a direct current source coupled to a step-up transformer to provide alternating current to the spray device, ensuring consistent grounding and efficient power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal chain is used to ground the spray device, then grounding is provided, but the chain may lose contact with the ground on uneven terrain or become tangled
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding system uses a spring-loaded grounding element that dynamically adjusts its position to maintain constant contact with the ground. The spring mechanism allows the grounding element to follow terrain variations, ensuring continuous electrical connection without manual intervention or tangling issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded grounding element automatically maintains itself in contact with the ground through the spring force, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or monitoring. The system self-regulates to ensure continuous grounding connection regardless of terrain conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the spray device is separated from the ground by rubber tires, then mobility is improved, but the spray device may hold a charge that harms the electrical system
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded grounding element acts as an intermediary between the spray device and the ground, providing a dedicated electrical path that bypasses the rubber tire insulation. This intermediary component ensures continuous grounding connection while maintaining the mobility benefits of rubber tires.
3Ease of operation
If a portable power supply is used for the spray device, then mobility is improved, but providing consistent power and grounding becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The grounding and power systems are segmented into separate functional components: a spring-loaded grounding element for electrical connection and a portable power supply for energy provision. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to solve the overall portability and reliability challenge.
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
The solution provides a reliable path to ground for electrostatic charges and efficient power supply, maintaining contact with the ground even on uneven terrain and improving the mobility and effectiveness of electrostatic spray devices in agricultural and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
a grounding element that is biased (e.g., via a spring force) towards the ground
Implementation Method 2
a direct current power source coupled to a step-up transformer
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a grounding apparatus for use with a spray device associated with a vehicle. The grounding apparatus is biased toward the ground so that a portion of the grounding apparatus makes contact with the ground even in uneven terrain. The grounding apparatus is configured to be mounted in a receiver portion of a trailer hitch. In addition, provided herein is a system for powering a spray device with a DC power source, such as an automotive battery. The system includes an oscillator coupled to a step up transformer.