Valve Assembly Voltage Converter for Agricultural Sprayers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements for agricultural spray devices face challenges in ensuring reliable operation when the external power supply fails, particularly in providing sufficient torque to move the valve body or seat against liquid pressure, and in managing simultaneous power consumption for multiple valves during normal operation without overloading the electrical system.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a voltage converter that converts stored energy into a higher voltage for the electric motor in boost mode to ensure valve operation in emergency positions and using a buck/boost converter to charge the energy store with low current consumption, along with a supercapacitor energy storage and a modular valve design with standardized connectors for easy assembly and error-free connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired or external power supply is used for electric valves, then normal operation is enabled, but the system fails when power supply fails and cannot provide sufficient torque for emergency valve positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by equipping each valve with a local energy storage device (capacitor) that is pre-charged to provide emergency power. This allows the valve to be positioned to a safe state (open or closed) even when the external power supply fails, without requiring complex backup power systems at the central control level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power supply system by distributing energy storage devices to individual valves rather than using a centralized backup power system. Each valve becomes an independent unit with its own power contingency capability, simplifying the overall system architecture while improving reliability.
2Force
If the energy store is designed to provide high voltage for emergency motor operation, then sufficient torque is achieved, but the energy store becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a voltage converter that dynamically switches between two operating modes: boost mode to multiply voltage for high-torque emergency motor operation, and buck mode to charge the energy storage device from the external power supply. This dynamic voltage conversion allows a small-capacity capacitor to provide high power when needed, avoiding the need for a large, expensive high-voltage energy store.
3Productivity
If multiple valves are actuated simultaneously during normal operation, then all valves can be opened or closed at once, but the electrical system becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging local energy storage devices at each valve before simultaneous actuation is needed. When multiple valves need to be actuated simultaneously, each valve draws power from its own pre-charged capacitor rather than drawing all power simultaneously from the external supply, eliminating the overload problem while maintaining simultaneous actuation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power consumption by distributing energy storage to individual valves, allowing each valve to independently draw power from its local capacitor during simultaneous operation. This segmentation prevents the cumulative power demand from overloading the external electrical system while still enabling all valves to operate simultaneously when needed.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the voltage converter charges the energy store with high current, then the energy store is quickly recharged, but the electrical system becomes overloaded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a voltage converter with two operating modes: boost mode for emergency high-voltage motor operation and buck mode for controlled charging of the energy storage device. The buck mode allows the converter to charge the capacitor from the external power supply with current limiting, preventing electrical system overload while gradually replenishing the energy store during normal operation.
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
Ensures reliable valve operation in emergency positions and efficient energy management, preventing overloading of the electrical system during simultaneous valve actuation, while protecting electronics from environmental factors and simplifying assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter is provided, which is designed to convert, in a first operating mode, a first voltage provided by the energy storage device into a second, higher voltage for acting on the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The voltage converter is designed to charge the energy store with a low current consumption in a second operating mode. In such a so-called buck operation, the energy store can then be charged over a somewhat longer period of time with a lower defined current consumption
Implementation Method 3
an electric motor for moving the valve seat and/or the valve body into the released position and the blocked position
Data Source
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AI summary
1. Valve arrangement for spraying devices and field sprayers. 2. The invention relates to a valve arrangement for spraying devices for agricultural engineering with several valves, wherein the valves each have a valve body which can assume at least one release position and one blocking position relative to a valve seat, an electric motor for moving the valve seat and/or the valve body into the release position and the blocking position, and an electrical energy storage device for providing electrical energy for the electric motor, wherein a voltage converter is provided which is configured, in a first operating mode, to convert a first voltage provided by the energy storage device into a second, higher voltage for supplying power to the electric motor when moving the valve body and/or the valve seat, and, in a second operating mode, to charge the energy storage device with low current consumption.