Variable Coverage Electrostatic Sprayer with Air Assistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrostatic sprayers for agriculture lack control over spray directionality, canopy coverage, and are ineffective in high wind conditions, leading to off-target drift and reduced bio-efficacy due to fixed spray patterns and susceptibility of small droplets to wind interference.
Innovation Solution
A manually controlled variable coverage high range electrostatic sprayer with an external air-assistive unit that provides a virtual path for charged droplets, using compressed air to adjust the spray cone angle and distance, and an automated power supply system to optimize droplet transport in harsh environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrostatic spraying is used to reduce droplet size for better coverage, then bio-efficacy is improved, but off-target drift increases due to small droplet susceptibility to wind
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external air assistance system that acts as an intermediary medium between the electrostatic spray and the environment. This air assistance creates a protective air stream that carries the fine charged droplets to the target while shielding them from wind interference, thus maintaining both small droplet size for bio-efficacy and reducing off-target drift through aerodynamic support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the spray system by introducing external air flow that modifies the trajectory and behavior of droplets. The air assistance alters the aerodynamic parameters, creating a virtual path that maintains droplet integrity and directionality despite wind conditions, allowing fine droplets to reach target without excessive drift
2Ease of manufacture
If the spray cone angle is fixed during design for optimal coverage, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different canopy sizes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed spray cone angle design into a dynamic system where the effective spray pattern can be adjusted during operation. The external air assistance system allows the spray cone angle and coverage area to be dynamically modified by varying air flow parameters, enabling adaptation to different canopy sizes without changing the physical nozzle structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in the spray characteristics by introducing controllable external air flow. By adjusting air pressure and flow rate, the effective spray cone angle and coverage area can be varied, providing adaptability to different agricultural scenarios while keeping the nozzle hardware simple and fixed
3Manufacturing precision
If high voltage is continuously applied for electrostatic charging, then droplet charging efficiency is maximized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using an automated switching system that applies high voltage only when liquid is flowing through the nozzle. This intermittent charging approach maintains effective droplet charging during active spraying while eliminating energy consumption during idle periods, thus improving the energy efficiency of the electrostatic charging system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control through an automated switching mechanism that monitors liquid flow conditions and adjusts high voltage application accordingly. The system detects when spray is active and enables charging, and when spray stops, it automatically disables the high voltage, creating a feedback-based energy management system that optimizes both charging efficiency and power consumption
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 enhances bio-efficacy and coverage distance while reducing off-target losses and environmental pollution by providing adjustable spray patterns and aerodynamic support for droplets, even in high wind conditions, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of pesticide application.
Implementation Method 1
an externally air-assistive arrangement for the variable canopy coverage and high range spraying... the electrostatic repulsion among droplets is also the cause of spray drift. Presence of high wind is another cause of spray drift and presently available sprayers have no arrangement which can be used in even in normal wind. In this invention a manually controlled variable coverage high range external air-assisted electrostatic sprayer system has been developed to guide the fine droplets with the help of externally supplied high pressurized air.
Implementation Method 2
Electrostatic force field application to agricultural pesticide spraying is well known, it was discovered in late 1980s... use an induction charging principle and liquid tip and air channel geometry that are similar to the above mentioned patents by Law, Cooper and Sickles.
Implementation Method 3
External air supply improves the aerodynamics conditions between spray exit from the nozzle tip and the actual target to be sprayed. The sprayer may increase the efficiency and bio-efficacy of the biological surface and reduces the air and soil pollutions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a single step process for the synthesis of furan derivative from carbohydrate comprises stirring the reaction mixture of carbohydrate in solvent in presence of catalyst at temperature in the range of 170 to 190° C. for the period in the range of 23 to 25 hrs to afford corresponding furan derivative.