Variable Orifice Spray Head for Mobile Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile fluid distribution systems face challenges in maintaining consistent fluid application per unit area, especially on inclines and at varying speeds, due to spray pattern changes with flow rate and pressure variations, leading to poor traction and uneven coverage.
Innovation Solution
A mobile fluid distribution system with a spray head featuring a variable orifice controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, independent of fluid flow, and a motor to maintain desired spray patterns, combined with deflectors and an internal diverter for improved fluid distribution control, ensuring consistent and uniform fluid application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If spray heads rely on fluid pressure to open the nozzle, then the system is simpler, but the spray pattern becomes inconsistent during various operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pilot fluid system as an intermediary to control the main fluid flow. The pilot fluid, which is clean and free of contaminants, acts as a mediator to open and close the spray nozzle by overcoming the spring force. This separates the control function from the main fluid path, protecting the control mechanism from corrosion and contamination while maintaining reliable spray pattern consistency during various operating conditions.
2Device complexity
If variable orifices are located in the main fluid flow chamber, then the structure is more compact, but the components become susceptible to corrosion and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the variable orifice control mechanism from the main fluid flow chamber and relocates it to a separate pilot fluid chamber. The pilot fluid system is filled with clean fluid that is free of particles and debris, isolating the sensitive orifice components from the corrosive and contaminated main fluid environment. This extraction protects the control components while maintaining compact overall structure.
3Reliability
If operators maintain constant engine speeds to keep fluid flow constant, then fluid distribution is more consistent, but the machine cannot operate efficiently on steep inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the variable orifices are adjusted in real-time based on operating conditions. The pilot fluid system allows the spray pattern and flow rate to be dynamically modified without changing engine speed, enabling the machine to adapt to various terrains and operational requirements while maintaining consistent fluid distribution per unit area.
4Productivity
If spray width decreases at low flow rates, then the system responds to reduced fluid availability, but coverage consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the pilot fluid system to maintain consistent spray patterns across varying flow rates. By adjusting the pilot fluid pressure and flow, the variable orifices are controlled to maintain optimal spray width and pattern even when main fluid flow rate decreases, ensuring consistent coverage regardless of operating conditions.
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 system achieves consistent and uniform fluid distribution across varying conditions, including inclines and low speeds, by maintaining constant fluid pressure and adjusting orifice size, resulting in improved coverage efficiency and reduced fluid usage.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice
Implementation Method 2
relying on pressure of the fluid being sprayed to overcome a spring force to open the spray nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A spray head for a fluid distribution system that includes a spray head base defining a fluid inlet passage connected to a spray head body, a pair of deflectors extending outwardly from the base and the body, respectively, defining a fluid outlet passage, a piston disposed in a chamber of the body defining a variable orifice between the inlet and outlet, and a deflector plate positioned on an inner surface of the deflector of the base having a deflector plate surface opposing the variable orifice.