Variable Orifice Spray Head for Mobile Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile fluid distribution systems face challenges in maintaining precise control over fluid application per unit area, especially when operating on varying inclines or during maneuvers, due to pressure fluctuations related to engine speed, and are susceptible to corrosion and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A mobile fluid distribution system with a spray head featuring a variable orifice controlled by a hydraulic cylinder, aligned with a common longitudinal axis, and a motor-driven pump that maintains desired fluid pressure independent of engine speed, ensuring consistent fluid distribution by adjusting the orifice based on ground speed and ground pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If fluid distribution systems spray fluids at pressures directly proportional to engine speeds, then fluid pressure increases with engine speed, but fluid distribution consistency deteriorates when engine speed varies due to terrain changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable orifice spray head that dynamically adjusts the orifice size based on operating conditions. The orifice is controlled by a piston positioned by a hydraulic cylinder, allowing the system to adapt fluid flow characteristics in real-time to maintain consistent distribution despite engine speed variations caused by terrain changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of the orifice size to compensate for pressure variations. By adjusting the orifice diameter through hydraulic control, the system maintains consistent fluid distribution patterns even when engine speed and resulting fluid pressure fluctuate during operation
2Reliability
If operators maintain constant engine speeds to keep fluid pressure constant, then fluid distribution consistency improves, but machine productivity deteriorates when ascending or descending steep inclines
Solution Approach 1:
The variable orifice mechanism allows the spray head to dynamically adjust its opening size in response to changing operating conditions. This enables the machine to operate at optimal engine speeds for productivity while the orifice adjustments maintain consistent fluid distribution, eliminating the need to reduce speed for terrain adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the orifice size parameter, the system compensates for pressure variations that would otherwise require engine speed adjustments. This allows the machine to maintain full productivity while the orifice adjustments ensure consistent fluid application across varying terrain conditions
3Power
If spray heads are pressure controlled with components in the main fluid flow chamber, then fluid pressure control is achieved, but component reliability deteriorates due to corrosion and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control components (cylinder and piston) are extracted from the main fluid flow chamber and positioned in a separate location. This isolates the precision control components from the contaminated spray fluid, allowing pressure control functionality to be maintained while component reliability improves due to reduced exposure to corrosive and particulate environments
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 solution provides precise control over fluid distribution, maintaining consistent application per unit area even under varying conditions, while isolating hydraulic components from contamination, thus enhancing the system's reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder controllably engaged to the orifice
Implementation Method 2
determining a pressure of fluid being delivered to a spray head
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.