Variable Orifice Spray Head for Mobile Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile fluid distribution systems face challenges in maintaining uniform and consistent fluid application over varying terrain and operating conditions, such as ascending or descending steep inclines, due to direct proportionality with engine speeds, leading to spray pattern changes and poor traction conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile fluid distribution system featuring a power source, pump, motor-driven spray head with a variable orifice controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, and sensors to maintain desired fluid flow independent of engine speed, ensuring consistent distribution by aligning the fluid piston and hydraulic cylinder with a common longitudinal axis and offsetting the inlet passage from the outlet passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluid flow is directly proportional to engine speed, then fluid distribution system is simple to operate, but uniform fluid application per unit area cannot be maintained under varying operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spray head incorporates a variable orifice that dynamically adjusts its opening size in response to changes in fluid flow rate. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to maintain consistent fluid application per unit area even when engine speed and overall fluid flow vary, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and application uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the orifice opening size based on operating conditions. By varying the orifice dimension in response to flow rate changes, the system compensates for variations in fluid delivery and maintains uniform application rates across different engine speeds and terrain conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If engine speed is maintained constant to keep fluid flow constant, then uniform fluid distribution is achieved, but transmission gear ratios must be reduced which limits mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The variable orifice in the spray head dynamically adapts to different operating speeds by adjusting its opening size. This allows the system to maintain consistent fluid application rates whether the vehicle is moving slowly or quickly, eliminating the need to maintain constant engine speed and preserving full mobility and gear ratio options
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the orifice opening parameter in response to changes in vehicle speed and fluid flow rate. This parameter change enables the spray head to compensate for variations in operating conditions, maintaining uniform fluid distribution across the entire operating range without restricting vehicle mobility
3Productivity
If spray flow rate is increased to cover more area, then productivity improves, but spray overlap increases causing poor traction conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The variable orifice adjusts the spray flow rate parameter to optimize coverage. By controlling the amount of fluid delivered through each spray head based on actual operating conditions, the system achieves thorough coverage without excessive overlap, preventing the formation of poor traction areas while maintaining high productivity
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
This system achieves precise control of fluid distribution, maintaining consistent application per unit area under varying conditions, reducing spray overlap and improving traction by controlling the variable orifice based on ground speed and independent of fluid flow, thus providing optimal fluid control and pattern consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice
Implementation Method 2
a pump driven by the power source
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid distribution system and method for mobile applications. The system includes a power source, a pump driven by the power source, and a motor driven by the pump. The system also includes a spray head with a fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a fluid piston disposed in a chamber for controlled access between the inlet and outlet passages and defining a variable orifice, and a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice. The fluid piston and the hydraulic cylinder are aligned with a common longitudinal axis, and the inlet passage is offset from the axis in a direction opposed to the location of the outlet passage.