Threaded Cap Measuring System for Agricultural Tank Chemicals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural chemical handling poses safety risks to workers and environmental hazards due to the lack of accurate measurement and mixing systems, leading to potential overuse or underuse of chemicals, which can damage crops or livestock and result in contamination and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a threaded cap with a measuring device and a pivotable hose restrictor for secure and accurate chemical measurement and dispensing, including a threadable cap with a hanger and a hose restrictor that maintains hose position during filling, preventing contamination and ensuring precise chemical application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemicals are added directly from a chemical container to the tank, then the process is simple and quick, but the chemicals may spill or splatter out of the container onto or into the tank, creating safety hazards and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a funnel as an intermediary device between the chemical container and the tank. The funnel channels the chemical flow in a controlled manner, preventing spills and splatters while maintaining efficient loading. The funnel acts as a mediator that protects both the worker and the tank from direct chemical exposure during the transfer process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable chemical containers that are designed for single-use or limited-use scenarios. These containers are inexpensive and can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for cleaning and sanitization processes. This approach maintains high productivity while reducing the risk of contamination from reused containers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the worker manually measures and transfers chemicals using open top containers, then the process is flexible and adaptable, but the worker is exposed to harmful chemicals through spills, inhalation, or contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a closed-system transfer mechanism as an intermediary between the chemical container and the tank. This system allows the worker to operate from a safe distance, minimizing direct exposure to harmful chemicals while maintaining the ability to measure and transfer varying quantities. The closed system prevents spills, splatters, and inhalation risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual open-top measuring and transferring operations with a mechanized closed-system transfer mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for the worker to manually handle open containers, thereby reducing exposure to harmful chemicals while maintaining measurement flexibility through controlled dispensing mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If a measuring cup is provided with the chemical container, then accurate measurement is possible, but the measuring cup may become lost, dirty, or damaged from rolling around in the back of a truck
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the measuring function directly into the chemical container or transfer system. The measurement markings are printed or molded directly on the container itself, eliminating the need for a separate measuring cup. This integration ensures that the measurement capability travels with the chemical and cannot be lost, damaged, or contaminated separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the chemical container to serve multiple functions: storage, measurement, and transfer. The container includes built-in measurement markings and a dispensing mechanism, making it a universal device that eliminates the need for separate measuring tools. This multi-functionality ensures measurement accuracy while improving reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the worker must measure and mix chemicals manually each time the chemical is applied, then the process is flexible for different tank sizes, but it requires repeated manual handling increasing the risk of injury and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces repeated manual measuring and transferring operations with a mechanized transfer system that can be adjusted for different tank sizes. The system includes a controlled dispensing mechanism that can measure and transfer the appropriate quantity of chemical automatically, reducing the need for repeated manual handling and minimizing worker exposure to harmful chemicals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-measured chemical containers or pre-set dispensing mechanisms that are prepared in advance. The chemical quantity is predetermined or pre-measured, eliminating the need for repeated manual measuring operations. This preliminary action reduces worker exposure while maintaining adaptability to different application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a system for receiving and dispensing additives into an agricultural tank have a threaded opening, the system including a threadable cap releasably secured to a measuring device and threaded to the tank threaded opening, the threadable cap including a hose restrictor for passing a hose through said threadable cap into said tank.