Switchable Mixing Chamber for On-Demand Agricultural Compound Blending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for mixing agricultural compounds require estimating the total quantity of product to be dispensed beforehand, often leading to excess mixture and storage challenges due to the need for uniform mixing within a tank.
Innovation Solution
A device with a switchable mixing chamber that alternates between picking and mixing positions, allowing for on-demand mixing and dispensing, where the mixing frequency is adjusted based on the flow rate of the first product to maintain a consistent mixing ratio, using a hydraulic or electric motor to rotate the mixing organ and control the mixing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the product is mixed within a tank before dispensing, then uniform mixing is achieved, but excess product must be produced and stored
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing chamber alternates periodically between picking position (filling with concentrate) and mixing position (dispensing mixed solution), enabling on-demand mixing without producing excess product. This periodic switching allows the system to mix only the required amount for current dispensing needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber is made movable between two positions (picking and mixing) rather than being fixed. This dynamic configuration allows the chamber to switch between filling and dispensing operations, enabling precise control over the amount of mixed product produced and eliminating the need for large storage tanks.
2Quantity of substance
If a large quantity of product is mixed in advance, then sufficient product is available for dispensing, but storage and handling become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system produces mixed product continuously on-demand through periodic switching between filling and dispensing modes, eliminating the need for large storage quantities while ensuring sufficient product availability for dispensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing process is segmented into discrete operations (picking concentrate, mixing with water, dispensing) performed in a compact chamber that moves between positions, replacing the need for large bulk storage with a series of small-scale sequential operations.
3Productivity
If the mixing chamber switches between picking and mixing positions, then on-demand mixing is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The picking and mixing operations are merged into a single movable chamber that performs both functions by changing position. The same chamber that picks up concentrate later mixes it with water and dispenses the solution, reducing the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as the receiving chamber for concentrate, the mixing vessel for combining with water, and the dispensing nozzle for delivering the mixed solution. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the added mobility requirement.
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
Enables the production of only the needed amount of mixed compound, reducing waste and allowing for flexible mixing ratios, ensuring effective mixing regardless of varying flow rates and user-selected ratios.
Implementation Method 1
using a hydraulic or electric motor to rotate the mixing organ and control the mixing process
Implementation Method 2
using a hydraulic or electric motor to rotate the mixing organ and control the mixing process
Implementation Method 3
A device with a switchable mixing chamber that alternates between picking and mixing positions, allowing for on-demand mixing and dispensing
Implementation Method 4
A hydraulic pump is placed in communication with the tank and with the conduit, so as to maintain a pre-established pressure within such conduit to promote the dispensing of the mixed compound
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (1) for mixing agricultural products, comprising an inlet conduit (2) of a first product; an outlet conduit (3) of a product mixed in fluid communication with the inlet conduit (2); a mixing chamber (4); movement means (6) of the mixing chamber (4) to move it between picking and mixing positions with a frequency (f); a sensor (22) to detect a flow rate of first product in the inlet conduit (2); a processing unit (23) comprising a reading module (24) configured to acquire a flow rate value (Q) of first product, a control module (25) configured to obtain a target value (f0) of frequency (f) as a function of the value (Q), an operative module (26) configured to activate the movement means (6) and vary the frequency (f) as a function of the target value (f0).