U.S. patent application number 17/327195 was filed with the patent office on 2022-08-25 for agricultural product system and methods for an agricultural applicator.
This patent application is currently assigned to CNH Industrial America LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is CNH Industrial America LLC. Invention is credited to Nathan Paul Brooks, Scott Allen Long, Mitchell Sandey.
Application Number | 20220264864 17/327195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220264864 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sandey; Mitchell ; et
al. |
August 25, 2022 |
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR AN AGRICULTURAL
APPLICATOR
Abstract
A system for an agricultural sprayer is provided herein that
includes a tank fluidly coupled with a flow assembly. A nozzle
assembly is positioned along a boom assembly and is fluidly coupled
with the flow assembly. A purge system is configured to remove
agricultural product from the flow assembly. A computing system is
communicatively coupled to the purge system. The computing system
is configured to receive an input to initiate the boom purge
system; activate a valve of the purge system; determine whether one
or more predefined conditions are detected; and exhaust the
agricultural product from the flow assembly through the purge valve
when each of the one or more predefined conditions are
detected.
Inventors: |
Sandey; Mitchell; (Benson,
MN) ; Long; Scott Allen; (Plainfield, IL) ;
Brooks; Nathan Paul; (Manitowoc, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CNH Industrial America LLC |
New Holland |
PA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
CNH Industrial America LLC
|
Appl. No.: |
17/327195 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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63151921 |
Feb 22, 2021 |
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International
Class: |
A01M 7/00 20060101
A01M007/00; A01C 23/00 20060101 A01C023/00; G07C 5/00 20060101
G07C005/00; G07C 5/08 20060101 G07C005/08; G05D 1/00 20060101
G05D001/00 |
Claims
1. A system for an agricultural sprayer, the system comprising: a
tank fluidly coupled with a flow assembly; a nozzle assembly
positioned along a boom assembly and fluidly coupled with the flow
assembly; a purge system configured to remove agricultural product
from the flow assembly; and a computing system communicatively
coupled to the purge system, the computing system being configured
to: receive, through a user interface, an input to initiate the
purge system; activate, through the computing system, a valve of
the purge system; determine, through the computing system, whether
one or more predefined conditions are detected; and exhaust the
agricultural product from the flow assembly through the purge valve
when each of the one or more predefined conditions are
detected.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a product delivery
line operably coupling the nozzle assembly to a product tank,
wherein the purge system includes an air delivery line operably
coupled with the product delivery line upstream of the nozzle
assembly.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more predefined
conditions includes a vehicle transmission being in a parked
state.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more predefined
conditions includes the boom assembly being positioned in an
unfolded position.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more predefined
conditions includes the boom assembly being in a spray state.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more predefined
conditions includes a vehicle engine is in an operating state.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the one or more predefined
conditions includes a product pump operably coupled with the flow
assembly being in a deactivated state.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing system is further
configured to: generate a notification when at least one of the one
or more predefined conditions is not detected.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the computing system is further
configured to: increase, through the computing system, a rotational
speed of an engine from a first rotational speed to a second
rotational speed, wherein the engine provides power to a movement
device of the purge system.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein exhausting the agricultural
product from the flow assembly through the purge valve when each of
the one or more predefined conditions are detected further
comprises activating a movement device fluidly coupled with the
flow assembly to supply a pressurized fluid to a product
circuit.
11. A method for operation of a system for an agricultural sprayer,
the method comprising: receiving, through a user interface, an
input to initiate a purge system; actuating, through a computing
system, a first valve of the purge system from a closed position to
an open position; determining, through the computing system,
whether one or more predefined conditions are detected; increasing,
through the computing system, a rotational speed of an engine from
a first rotational speed to a second rotational speed, wherein the
engine provides power to a movement device of the purge system; and
activating, through the computing system, a movement device fluidly
coupled with the first valve of the purge system.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: actuating, through
the computing system, the first valve of the purge system from the
open position to a closed position; and actuating, through the
computing system, a second valve of the purge system from a closed
position to an open position.
13. The method of claim 11, further comprising: generating, through
the computing system, a notification when at least one of the one
or more predefined conditions is not detected.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the second rotational speed is
at least twice the first rotational speed.
15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: monitoring each of
the one or more predefined conditions while the first valve is in
the open position; and generating, through the computing system, a
notification when a change in at least one of the one or more
predefined conditions is detected.
16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: actuating, through
the computing system, the first valve from the open position to a
closed position after a predefined amount of time has elapsed.
17. A system for an agricultural sprayer, the system comprising: a
tank fluidly coupled with a flow assembly; a nozzle assembly
positioned along a boom assembly and fluidly coupled with the flow
assembly; a purge system configured to remove agricultural product
from the flow assembly; and a computing system communicatively
coupled to the purge system, the computing system being configured
to: receive, through a user interface, an input to initiate the
purge system; actuate, through the computing system, a valve of the
purge system from a closed position to an open position; determine,
through the computing system, whether one or more predefined
conditions are detected; increase, through the computing system, a
rotational speed of an engine from a first rotational speed to a
second rotational speed, wherein the engine provides power to a
movement device of the purge system; and activate, through the
computing system, the movement device fluidly coupled with the flow
assembly and powered by the engine.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more predefined
conditions includes at least one of a vehicle transmission being in
a parked state, the boom assembly being positioned in an unfolded
position, the boom assembly being in a spray state, a vehicle
engine is in an operating state, or a product pump operably coupled
with the flow assembly being in a deactivated state.
19. The system of claim 17, wherein the second rotational speed can
be at least twice the first rotational speed.
20. The system of claim 17, wherein the computing system is further
configured to: generate a notification when at least one of the one
or more predefined conditions is not detected.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional application claiming
the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) to U.S.
Provisional Application No. 63/151,921, filed Feb. 22, 2021, which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to agricultural
sprayers for performing spraying operations within a field and,
more particularly, to a purge system for a sprayer.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Agricultural applicators or sprayers have been used within
the industry for delivering an agricultural product to a ground
surface of a field. The agricultural product may be in the form of
a solution or mixture, with a carrier (such as water) being mixed
with one or more active ingredients, such as a pesticide(s) (e.g.,
an herbicide(s), insecticide(s), rodenticide(s), etc.) and/or a
nutrient(s). Typically, an applicator or sprayer is pulled as an
implement or is self-propelled, and includes a tank, a pump, a boom
assembly, and a plurality of spray nozzles carried by the boom
assembly at spaced-apart locations.
[0004] During a spray operation, the agricultural product is
transferred from the tank, through the plurality of spray nozzles,
and dispensed onto the underlying field. However, once the spray
operation has been completed, a portion of the agricultural product
is maintained with the boom assembly. Accordingly, an improved
system and methods that may allow the agricultural product to be
drained from of the boom would be welcomed in the technology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the technology will be set forth
in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
technology.
[0006] In some aspects, the present subject matter is directed to a
system for an agricultural sprayer. The system includes a tank
fluidly coupled with a flow assembly. A nozzle assembly is
positioned along a boom assembly and is fluidly coupled with the
flow assembly. A purge system is configured to remove agricultural
product from the flow assembly. A computing system is
communicatively coupled to the purge system. The computing system
is configured to receive, through a user interface, an input to
initiate the purge system; activate, through the computing system,
a valve of the purge system; determine, through the computing
system, whether one or more predefined conditions are detected; and
exhaust the agricultural product from the flow assembly through the
purge valve when each of the one or more predefined conditions are
detected.
[0007] In some aspects, the present subject matter is directed to a
method for operation of a system for an agricultural sprayer. The
method includes receiving, through a user interface, an input to
initiate a purge system. The method further includes actuating,
through a computing system, a first valve of the purge system from
a closed position to an open position. The method also includes
determining, through the computing system, whether one or more
predefined conditions are detected. Furthermore, the method
includes increasing, through the computing system, a rotational
speed of an engine from a first rotational speed to a second
rotational speed, wherein the engine provides power to a movement
device of the purge system. Lastly, the method includes activating,
through the computing system, a movement device fluidly coupled
with the first valve of the purge system.
[0008] In some aspects, the present subject matter is directed to a
system for an agricultural sprayer that includes a tank fluidly
coupled with a flow assembly. A nozzle assembly is positioned along
a boom assembly and is fluidly coupled with the flow assembly. A
purge system is configured to remove agricultural product from the
flow assembly. A computing system is communicatively coupled to the
purge system. The computing system is configured to receive,
through a user interface, an input to initiate the purge system;
actuate, through the computing system, a valve of the purge system
from a closed position to an open position; determine, through the
computing system, whether one or more predefined conditions are
detected; increase, through the computing system, a rotational
speed of an engine from a first rotational speed to a second
rotational speed, wherein the engine provides power to a movement
device of the purge system; and activate, through the computing
system, the movement device fluidly coupled with the flow assembly
and powered by the engine.
[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the
present technology will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the technology.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present technology,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an agricultural
sprayer in accordance with aspects of the present subject
matter;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the agricultural sprayer
in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the sprayer system in
accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a simplified schematic representation of the
sprayer system in accordance with aspects of the present subject
matter;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic representation of the
product system of FIG. 4 operating in a first application process
in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a simplified schematic representation of the
product system of FIG. 4 operating in a second application process
in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a simplified schematic representation of the
product system of FIG. 4 operating in a third application process
in accordance with aspects of the present subject matter;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a simplified schematic representation of the
product system operating in a purge process in accordance with
aspects of the present subject matter;
[0019] FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram providing example control
logic for operating the product system in a purge process in
accordance with aspects of the present subject matter; and
[0020] FIG. 10 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for the
operation of a product system in accordance with aspects of the
present subject matter.
[0021] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or
analogous features or elements of the present technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and
variations can be made in the present invention without departing
from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features
illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is
intended that the present invention covers such modifications and
variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and
their equivalents.
[0023] In this document, relational terms, such as first and
second, top and bottom, and the like, are used solely to
distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action,
without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such
relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms
"comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements
does not include only those elements but may include other elements
not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article,
or apparatus. An element preceded by "comprises . . . a" does not,
without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional
identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus
that comprises the element.
[0024] As used herein, the terms "first," "second," and "third" may
be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another
and are not intended to signify a location or importance of the
individual components. The terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached to,"
and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attaching,
as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attaching through one or
more intermediate components or features, unless otherwise
specified herein. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to
the relative direction with respect to an agricultural product
within a fluid circuit. For example, "upstream" refers to the
direction from which an agricultural product flows, and
"downstream" refers to the direction to which the agricultural
product moves. The term "selectively" refers to a component's
ability to operate in various states (e.g., an ON state and an OFF
state) based on manual and/or automatic control of the
component.
[0025] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural
references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0026] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the
specification and claims, is applied to modify any quantitative
representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a
change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a
value modified by a term or terms, such as "about,"
"approximately," "generally," and "substantially," is not to be
limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances,
the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an
instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods
or apparatus for constructing or manufacturing the components
and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer
to being within a ten percent margin.
[0027] Moreover, the technology of the present application will be
described in relation to exemplary embodiments. The word
"exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example,
instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments. Additionally, unless
specifically identified otherwise, all embodiments described herein
should be considered exemplary.
[0028] As used herein, the term "and/or," when used in a list of
two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be
employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed
items can be employed. For example, if a composition or assembly is
described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition
or assembly can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in
combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A,
B, and C in combination.
[0029] In general, the present subject matter is directed to a
system for an agricultural sprayer. The system can include a
product tank configured to store an agricultural product. A product
delivery line is fluidly coupled with the product tank and
configured to deliver the agricultural product from the product
tank to one or more nozzle assemblies during an application
process. In some instances, the one or more nozzle assemblies can
be mounted on a boom assembly and configured to selectively
dispense the agricultural product onto underlying plants and/or
soil.
[0030] In various embodiments, the system further includes a purge
system configured to remove agricultural product from the boom
through one or more purge valves. In some instances, the purge
system may also include an air supply that is fluidly coupled with
the product delivery line. In such instances, with one or more
purge valves actuated from a closed position to an open position
the movement device may provide pressurized fluid or gas to the
product line to exhaust the agricultural product from the product
delivery line.
[0031] In some instances, a computing system is communicatively
coupled to the purge system. The computing system may be configured
to receive, through a user interface, an input to initiate the boom
purge system. The computing system may also be configured to
determine, through the computing system, whether one or more
predefined conditions are detected. In addition, the computing
system may be configured to actuate, through the computing system,
a valve of the purge system from a closed position to an open
position when each of the one or more predefined conditions are
detected. During the purge process, if at any time before the purge
process has been completed, any of the predefined conditions are no
longer detected, the process may self-cancel and/or a notification
can be generated. In some instances, the operator will not be
prompted that a specific predefined condition is no longer detected
so that the user may remedy the condition to allow for a
continuation of the purge process.
[0032] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, differing views of an
agricultural sprayer 10 are illustrated in accordance with aspects
of the present subject matter. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a
perspective view of the sprayer 10 with its boom assembly in a
working or unfolded position and FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of
the sprayer 10 with its boom assembly in a transport or folded
position. In the illustrated embodiment, the agricultural sprayer
10 is configured as a self-propelled agricultural sprayer. However,
in alternative embodiments, the agricultural sprayer 10 may be
configured as any other suitable type of agricultural sprayer 10
configured to perform agricultural spraying operations, such as a
tractor or other vehicle configured to haul a spraying or
application implement.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the agricultural sprayer 10 may include
a chassis 12 or frame configured to support or couple to a
plurality of components. For example, a pair of steerable front
wheels 14 (one is shown) and a pair of driven rear wheels 16 (one
is shown) may be coupled to the chassis 12. The wheels 14, 16 may
be configured to support the agricultural sprayer 10 relative to
the ground and move the agricultural sprayer 10 in a direction of
travel (e.g., as indicated by arrow 18 in FIG. 1) across a field.
In this regard, the agricultural sprayer 10 may include an engine
38 and a transmission 40 configured to transmit power from the
engine 38 to the wheels 14, 16. However, it will be appreciated
that, in further embodiments, the front wheels 14 of the
agricultural sprayer 10 may be driven in addition to or in lieu of
the rear wheels 16. The chassis 12 may also support an operator's
cab 24 that houses various control or input devices (e.g., levers,
pedals, control panels, buttons, and/or the like) for permitting an
operator to control the operation of the work sprayer 10. For
instance, as shown in FIG. 1, the agricultural sprayer 10 may
include a human-machine or user interface 22 for displaying message
windows and/or alerts to the operator and/or for allowing the
operator to interface with the vehicle's controller or computing
system. In some embodiments, the user interface 22 may include
joysticks, buttons, knobs, and/or any other suitable input devices
that allow the operator to provide user inputs to an associated
controller or computing system.
[0034] Furthermore, the chassis 12 may also support at least one or
more product tanks 26 and/or one or more auxiliary tanks 42. Each
product tank 26 is generally configured to store or hold an
agricultural product, such as a pesticide, an herbicide, a
nutrient, and/or the like. The auxiliary tank 42 may be configured
to store or hold clean water and/or any other product, which may be
different from the agricultural product within the product tank
26.
[0035] The chassis 12 may further support a frame or boom assembly
28 mounted on the chassis 12. A plurality of nozzle assemblies 68
are mounted on the boom assembly 28 and configured to selectively
dispense the agricultural product stored in the associated product
tank 26 and/or the auxiliary tank 42 via the nozzle assemblies 68
onto underlying plants and/or soil. The nozzle assemblies 68 are
generally spaced apart from each other on the boom assembly 28
along a lateral direction 50. Furthermore, fluid conduits may
fluidly couple the nozzle assemblies 68 to the tank(s) 26, 42. Each
nozzle assembly 68 may include a nozzle valve and an associated
spray tip or spray nozzle. In several embodiments, the operation of
each nozzle valve may be individually controlled by an associated
controller or computing system such that the valve regulates the
flow rate and/or another spray characteristic of the agricultural
product through the associated spray nozzle.
[0036] In some embodiments, to improve the agricultural product
application quality and/or operator comfort, the sprayer 10 can be
equipped with a passive, semi-active, or active suspension system
31 (FIG. 2) to dampen movement of the sprayer 10 during operation.
For instance, the suspension system 31 may be configured to isolate
the cab 24 and/or the boom assembly 28 from vibrations caused by
uneven terrain. Such suspension system can include vibration
isolators mounted between the chassis 12 and the wheels 14, 16 of
the sprayer 10. Passive systems use passive vibration isolators
(e.g., rubber isolators, springs with friction, or viscous dampers)
to damp vibrations with different isolators used to damp different
frequencies. Semi-active systems achieve control and isolation
between the chassis 12 and the cab 24 and/or boom assembly 28 by
controlling a damper to selectively remove energy from the system
in response to movement of the cab/boom (e.g., as monitored via
sensors). Active systems use one or more sensors to sense movement
and an associated controller or computing system to generate
control signals for an actuator which applies a force to the cab 24
and/or boom assembly 28 to cancel vibrations transmitted to the
cab/boom by the chassis 12.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the boom assembly 28 of the
agricultural sprayer 10 may generally be movable between a working
or unfolded position (FIG. 1) and a transport or folded position
(FIG. 2). In the working position, various sections of the boom
assembly 28 are fully extended such that the boom assembly 28
extends over as wide a section of a field as possible. In the
transport position, the various sections of the boom assembly 28
are fully retracted to reduce the width of the sprayer 10 for
travel. As will be described below, the boom assembly 28 may
include a plurality of fold actuators coupled between adjacent boom
sections 30, 32, 34 of the boom assembly 28 for moving the boom
assembly 28 between the working and transport positions.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, in various embodiments, the boom
assembly 28 includes a central boom section 30, a left boom arm 32,
and a right boom arm 34. The left boom arm 32 includes a left inner
boom section 32A pivotably coupled to the central boom section 30,
a left middle boom section 32B pivotably coupled to the left inner
boom section 32A, and a left outer boom section 32C pivotably
coupled to the left middle boom section 32B. Similarly, the right
boom arm 34 includes a right inner boom section 34A pivotably
coupled to the central boom section 30, a right middle boom section
34B pivotably coupled to the right inner boom section 34A, and a
right outer boom section 34C pivotably coupled to the right middle
boom section 34B. Each of the inner boom sections 32A, 34A is
pivotably coupled to the central boom section 30 at pivot joints
44. Similarly, the middle boom sections 32B, 34B are pivotally
coupled to the respective inner boom sections 32A, 34A at pivot
joints 46 while the outer boom sections 32C, 34C are pivotably
coupled to the respective middle boom sections 32B, 34B at pivot
joints 48.
[0039] As is generally understood, pivot joints 44, 46, 48 may be
configured to allow relative pivotal motion between adjacent boom
sections 30, 32, 34 of the boom assembly 28. For example, the pivot
joints 44, 46, 48 may allow for articulation of the various boom
sections 30, 32, 34 between a fully extended or working position
(e.g., as shown in FIG. 1), in which the boom sections are unfolded
along the lateral direction 50 to allow for the performance of an
agricultural spraying operation, and a transport position (FIG. 2),
in which the boom sections are folded inwardly to reduce the
overall width of the boom assembly 28 along the lateral direction
50. It will be appreciated that, although the boom assembly 28 is
shown in FIG. 1 as including a central boom section 30 and three
individual boom sections 32, 34 coupled to each side of the central
boom 30 sections, the boom assembly 28 may generally have any
suitable number of boom sections. For example, in other
embodiments, each boom arm 32, 34 may include four or more boom
sections or less than three boom sections.
[0040] Additionally, as shown in FIG. 1, the boom assembly 28 may
include inner fold actuators 52 coupled between the inner boom
sections 32A, 34A and the central boom section 30 to enable
pivoting or folding between the fully-extended working position and
the transport position. For example, by retracting/extending the
inner fold actuators 52, the inner boom sections 32A, 34A may be
pivoted or folded relative to the central boom section 30 about a
pivot axis 44A defined by the pivot joints 44. Moreover, the boom
assembly 28 may also include middle fold actuators 54 coupled
between each inner boom section 32A, 34A and its adjacent middle
boom section 32B, 34B and outer fold actuators 56 coupled between
each middle boom section 32B, 34B and its adjacent outer boom
section 32C, 34C. As such, by retracting/extending the middle and
outer fold actuators 54, 56, each middle and outer boom section
32B, 34B, 32C, 34C may be pivoted or folded relative to its
respective inwardly adjacent boom section 32A, 34A, 32B, 34B about
a respective pivot axis 46A, 48A. When moving to the transport
position, the boom assembly 28 and fold actuators 52, 54, 56 are
typically oriented such that the pivot axes 44A, 46A, 48A are
parallel to the vertical direction 58 and, thus, the various boom
sections 32A, 34A, 32B, 34B, 32C, 34C of the boom assembly 28 are
configured to be folded horizontally (e.g., parallel to the lateral
direction 50) about the pivot axes 44A, 46A, 48A to keep the
folding height of the boom assembly 28 as low as possible for
transport. However, the pivot axes 44A, 46A, 48A may be oriented
along any other suitable direction.
[0041] In some embodiments, the boom assembly 28 may include a mast
coupled to a frame that, in combination, can support the boom
assembly 28 relative to the sprayer chassis 12. For example, the
mast may be configured to couple to the chassis 12 via a linkage
assembly to transfer a load of the frame to the mast. Furthermore,
a boom suspension 124 (FIG. 3) can extend between the frame and the
mast and can be configured to dampen the movement of the frame
relative to the mast, thereby providing a stable platform for the
boom assembly 28. In some examples, the boom suspension 124 can
include one or more actuators that can be configured to
mechanically interconnect the frame to the mast. The one or more
actuators may be capable of generally leveling the boom assembly 28
relative to the ground surface. In addition to aiding in leveling
the boom assembly 28, the adjustable suspension can also provide
various damping levels and/or rigidly couple the frame and the mast
to one another.
[0042] It will be appreciated that, although not shown in FIGS. 1
and 2, the sprayer 10 may also include various sensors configured
to capture data indicative of one or more operating conditions or
parameters associated with the performance and/or operation of the
sprayer 10. For instance, in some embodiments, sensors may, for
example, be installed on the boom assembly 28 to allow operating
parameters/conditions associated with the boom to be monitored.
However, in other embodiments, one or more sensors may be installed
relative to or in association with any other suitable components,
features, systems, and/or sub-systems of the sprayer 10.
[0043] Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, in various embodiments,
the sprayer 10 may include an agricultural product system 120 that
may be configured to operate in an application process in which the
agricultural product is dispensed from the associated product tank
26 and/or the auxiliary tank 42 to the field via the various nozzle
assemblies 68 spaced apart along the length of the boom assembly 28
through a flow assembly 122. In some embodiments, the flow assembly
122 can include a pump 158, restrictive orifices, valves, and/or
the like to regulate the flow of the agricultural product from the
product tank 26 and/or the auxiliary tank 42 to the nozzle
assemblies 68.
[0044] Further, the product system 120 may include a purge system
142, which can be operated in a purge process to exhaust at least
some of the agricultural product positioned within the flow
assembly 122 after the completion of the application process. In
various embodiments, the purge system 142 may include a movement
device 144 that is operably coupled with the flow assembly 122 and
one or more purge valves 146. In some instances, one or more purge
sensors 148 (FIG. 3) may be configured to detect an amount of
agricultural product positioned within the boom assembly 28, an
amount of agricultural product exhausted from the boom assembly
during the purge process, and/or any other information.
[0045] During the application process, the one or more purge valves
146 may be placed in the closed position. Conversely, during the
purge process, at least one of the one or more purge valves 146 may
be actuated to the open position. In some instances, the purge
valves 146 may be sequentially actuated between the closed position
and the open position to ensure that various portions of the flow
assembly 122 exceeds a predefined pressure to exhaust the
agricultural product through the open purge valve 146. For example,
a first purge valve 146 may be fluidly coupled with a first section
of the flow assembly 122, a second purge valve 146 may be fluidly
coupled with a second section of the flow assembly 122, and a third
purge valve 146 may be fluidly coupled with a first section of the
flow assembly 122. In some instances, during the purge process, the
first valve may be actuated from a closed position to an open
position while the second valve and the third valve remain in a
closed position. Additionally or alternatively, during the purge
process, the second valve may be actuated from a closed position to
an open position while the first valve and the third valve remain
in a closed position. Additionally or alternatively, during the
purge process, the third valve may be actuated from a closed
position to an open position while the first valve and the second
valve remain in a closed position. Further, more than one valve may
be placed in the open position while other remaining valves may be
placed in a closed position.
[0046] The purge valves 146 may be electronically controllable
valves, such as electronically actuated ball valves, solenoid
valves, pneumatic valves, and/or the like. In some instances, prior
to the actuation of the purge valves 146 from a closed position to
an open position and/or prior to initial or continued activation of
the movement device 144, a computing system 102 (FIG. 3) operably
coupled with the purge system 142 may determine whether one or more
predefined conditions are detected. The valves may be actuated to
the open position and/or the movement device 144 may be activated
when each of the one or more predefined conditions are
detected.
[0047] It will be appreciated that the specific configuration of
the agricultural sprayers 10 described above and shown in FIGS. 1
and 2 are provided only to place the present subject matter in an
exemplary field of use. In this regard, it should be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art that the present subject matter
may be readily adaptable to any manner of machine configuration
that is consistent with the disclosure provided herein.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic view of a sprayer
system 100 configured to form part of or otherwise be associated
with an agricultural sprayer 10 is illustrated in accordance with
aspects of the present subject matter. In general, the system 100
will be described herein with reference to the sprayer 10 described
above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. However, it will be
appreciated that the disclosed system 100 may generally be utilized
with sprayers or other agricultural applicators having any suitable
configuration consistent with the disclosure provided herein.
[0049] In several embodiments, the system 100 may include a
computing system 102 and various components, features, systems,
and/or sub-systems configured to be communicatively coupled to the
computing system 102. In general, the computing system 102 may be
configured to perform various computer-related functions or tasks,
including, for example, receiving data from one or more components,
features, systems, and/or sub-systems of the sprayer 10, storing
and/or processing data received or generated by the computing
system 102, and/or controlling the operation of one or more
components, features, systems and/or sub-systems of the sprayer
10.
[0050] In general, the computing system 102 may correspond to any
suitable processor-based device(s), such as a computing device or
any combination of computing devices. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, the
computing system 102 may generally include one or more processor(s)
104 and associated memory devices 106 configured to perform a
variety of computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing the
methods, steps, algorithms, calculations, and the like disclosed
herein). As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to
integrated circuits referred to in the art as being included in a
computer, but also refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a
microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an
application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable
circuits. Additionally, the memory device 106 may generally include
memory element(s) including, but not limited to, computer readable
medium (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer readable
non-volatile medium (e.g., a flash memory), a floppy disk, a
compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk
(MOD), a digital versatile disc (DVD) and/or other suitable memory
elements. Such memory device 106 may generally be configured to
store information accessible to the processor(s) 104, including
data 108 that can be retrieved, manipulated, created, and/or stored
by the processor(s) 104 and instructions 110 that can be executed
by the processor(s) 104.
[0051] In several embodiments, the data 108 may be stored in one or
more databases. For example, the memory device 106 may include
various databases for storing data associated with the operation of
the sprayer 10, such as operation data, sensor data, field data,
map data, application data, agricultural product data, correlation
tables, and/or the like. Such data may include, for example,
information received from one or more components, features,
systems, and/or sub-systems of the sprayer 10. For instance, as
shown in FIG. 3, the computing system 102 may be communicatively
coupled to a positioning system(s) 112 that is configured to
determine the location of the sprayer 10 by using a GPS system, a
Galileo positioning system, the Global Navigation satellite system
(GLONASS), the BeiDou Satellite Navigation and Positioning system,
a dead reckoning system, and/or the like. In such embodiments, the
location determined by the positioning system(s) 112 may be
transmitted to the computing system 102 (e.g., in the form location
coordinates) and subsequently stored within a suitable database for
subsequent processing and/or analysis.
[0052] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, the computing system 102
may be communicatively coupled various sensors 170 for monitoring
one or more operating conditions or parameters associated with the
sprayer 10, including monitoring operating conditions/parameters
associated with any suitable components, systems, and/or
sub-systems of the sprayer 10. Suitable sensors may include
position sensors, flow sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors
(e.g., accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.), vision sensors (e.g.,
cameras, LIDAR devices, etc.), radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors,
and/or the like, depending on the specific operating
condition(s)/parameter(s) being monitored. In such embodiments, the
data provided from the sensors may be transmitted to the computing
system 102 and subsequently stored within a suitable database for
subsequent processing and/or analysis.
[0053] Referring still to FIG. 3, in several embodiments, the
instructions 110 stored within the memory device 106 of the
computing system 102 may be executed by the processor(s) 104 to
implement one or more modules 114, such as a data analysis module
or an active control module. For example, a data analysis module
may be executed or implemented by processor(s) 104 to analyze data
received from one or more components, features, systems, and/or
sub-systems of the sprayer 10 (e.g., sensors, etc.).
[0054] For instance, the data analysis module may receive data from
a flow path sensor 172 (FIG. 4) that is associated with a volume of
the agricultural product transferred from the product tank 26
and/or the auxiliary tank 42 to the flow assembly 122. In addition,
the data analysis module may receive data indicative of an
activation state of a product pump 158, a state of one or more
components of a drive system 125, a position of the boom assembly
28, and/or from any other component.
[0055] The active control module may be capable of altering or
adjusting the operation of one or more components, features,
systems, and/or sub-systems of the sprayer 10. For instance, in
some embodiments, the computing system 102 may utilize the active
control module to adjust or control or the operation of one or more
components of an agricultural product system 120, such as by
controlling the mode of operation of the product system 120 (e.g.,
one or more pumps, valves, and/or the like) that regulates the
supply of the agricultural product to and from the product tank 26
and/or the auxiliary tank 42. For example, the computing system 102
may utilize the active control module to adjust or control the
operation of one or more components of an agricultural product
system 120 during an application process, such as by controlling
the operation of the flow assembly 122 to regulate the supply of
agricultural product between the product tank 26, and/or the
auxiliary tank 42, and the nozzle assemblies 68, by controlling the
operation of the nozzle assemblies 68 (e.g., by controlling the
nozzle valves using a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique),
and/or by controlling any other suitable component of the
agricultural product system 120 (e.g., a boom suspension 124).
Additionally or alternatively, the computing system 102 may utilize
the active control module to adjust or control the operation of one
or more components of an agricultural product system 120 during a
purge process, such as by controlling the operation of a purge
system 142 that includes a movement device 144 configured to move
the residual agricultural product through one or more purge valves
146.
[0056] In addition, various other components may be adjusted or
controlled by the computing system 102 via execution or
implementation of the active control module. For instance, the
computing system 102 may be configured to adjust or control or the
operation of one or more components, sub-systems, or systems of a
sprayer drive system 125, such as by controlling the operation of a
powertrain control system 126, a steering system 128, the sprayer
suspension system 31, and/or the like.
[0057] In some examples, the user interface 22 may be operably
coupled with the computing system 102. The user interface 22 may be
mounted within a cockpit module, an instrument cluster, and/or any
other location within the cab 24. In various examples, the user
interface 22 of the disclosed system 100 may include a display 132
having a touchscreen 134. The display 132 may be capable of
displaying information related to the operation of the sprayer 10.
In some embodiments, the display 132 may include an input device in
the form of circuitry within the touchscreen to receive an input
corresponding with a location over the display 132. Additionally,
the user interface 22 may also include various other types or forms
of input devices 136, such as one or more joysticks, buttons,
knobs, levers, input pads, and/or the like.
[0058] In several embodiments, the computing system 102 may be
configured to communicate via wired and/or wireless communication
with one or more remote electronic devices 118 through a
communications device 140 (e.g., a transceiver). The network may be
one or more of various wired or wireless communication mechanisms,
including any combination of wired (e.g., cable and fiber) and/or
wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and radio
frequency) communication mechanisms and any desired network
topology (or topologies when multiple communication mechanisms are
utilized). Exemplary wireless communication networks include a
wireless transceiver (e.g., a BLUETOOTH module, a ZIGBEE
transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, an IrDA transceiver, an RFID
transceiver, etc.), local area networks (LAN), and/or wide area
networks (WAN), including the Internet, providing data
communication services. The electronic device 118 may include a
display for displaying information to a user. For instance, the
electronic device 118 may display one or more graphical user
interfaces and may be capable of receiving remote user inputs
associated with adjusting operating variables or thresholds
associated with the sprayer 10. In addition, the electronic device
118 may provide feedback information, such as visual, audible, and
tactile alerts and/or allow the operator to alter or adjust one or
more components, features, systems, and/or sub-systems of the
sprayer 10 through the usage of the remote electronic device 118.
It will be appreciated that the electronic device 118 may be any
one of a variety of computing devices and may include a processor
and memory. For example, the electronic device 118 may be a cell
phone, mobile communication device, key fob, wearable device (e.g.,
fitness band, watch, glasses, jewelry, wallet), apparel (e.g., a
tee shirt, gloves, shoes, or other accessories), personal digital
assistant, headphones and/or other devices that include
capabilities for wireless communications and/or any wired
communications protocols.
[0059] With further reference to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the
powertrain control system 126 includes an engine output control
system 150, a transmission control system 152, and a braking
control system 154. The engine output control system 150 is
configured to vary the output of the engine 38 (FIG. 1) to control
the speed of the sprayer 10. For example, the engine output control
system 150 may vary a throttle setting of the engine 38 to adjust a
rotational speed of the engine 38, a fuel/air mixture of the engine
38, a timing of the engine 38, and/or other suitable engine
parameters to control engine output. In addition, the transmission
control system 152 may adjust gear selection within a transmission
40 (FIG. 1) to control the speed of the sprayer 10. Furthermore,
the braking control system 154 may adjust braking force, thereby
controlling the speed of the sprayer 10. While the illustrated
powertrain control system 126 includes the engine output control
system 150, the transmission control system 152, and the braking
control system 154, it will be appreciated that alternative
embodiments may include one or two of these systems, in any
suitable combination. Further embodiments may include a powertrain
control system 126 having other and/or additional systems to
facilitate adjusting the speed of the sprayer 10.
[0060] Referring still to FIG. 3, the computing system 102 may be
configured to operate the product system 120 in an application
process in which an agricultural product is provided from the
product tank 26 and/or the auxiliary tank 42 to the field via the
various nozzle assemblies 68 spaced apart along the length of the
boom assembly 28. In some embodiments, a product pump 158 is
fluidly coupled with the flow assembly 122 to regulate the flow of
the agricultural product from the associated product tank 26 and/or
the auxiliary tank 42 to the nozzle assemblies 68.
[0061] Further, the product system 120 may be operated in a purge
process to exhaust the agricultural product from the flow assembly
122. In some embodiments, a user may provide an input through the
user interface 22 or the remote electronic device 118 for the
product system 120 to be placed in the purge process. Upon
receiving the input, the computing system 102 may be configured to
determine whether one or more predefined conditions are detected.
In various embodiments, the one or more predefined conditions can
include the vehicle transmission 40 being in a parked state, the
boom assembly 28 being positioned in an unfolded position, the boom
assembly 28 being in a spray state, the vehicle engine 38 (FIG. 1)
is in an operating state, and/or the product pump 158 operably
coupled with the flow assembly 122 being in a deactivated
state.
[0062] If each of the one or more predefined conditions are
detected, the computing system 102 may actuate one or more purge
valves 146 of the purge system 142 from a closed position to an
open position. Additionally or alternatively, the computing system
102 may actuate one or more purge valves 146 upon receiving the
input prior to determining whether one or more predefined
conditions are detected. In such instances, If each of the one or
more predefined conditions are detected, the computing system 102
may activate the movement device.
[0063] In addition, in several embodiments, if each of the one or
more predefined conditions are detected, the computing system 102
may alter an engine parameter, which, in turn, provides additional
power to the movement device 144 of the purge system 142. For
example, the engine parameters can include throttle setting of the
engine 38 to adjust a rotational speed of the engine 38, a fuel/air
mixture of the engine 38, a timing of the engine 38, and/or other
suitable engine parameters to control engine output. For instance,
the computing system 102 may increase the rotational speed of the
engine 38 from a first rotational speed (e.g., less than 1,000
RPM), or a first output, to a second rotational speed (e.g.,
greater than 1,000 RPM).
[0064] In some examples, if one or more conditions are not
detected, a notification may be generated by the computing system
102. The notification may be provided to the user interface 22, a
related vehicle notification system 116 (e.g., including components
configured to provide visual, auditory, or haptic feedback, such as
lights, speakers vibratory components, and/or the like), and/or a
remote electronic device 118. In addition to providing a
notification, the computing system 102 may additionally or
alternatively cease operation of the purge process until each of
the predefined conditions is again detected.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 4-8, schematic diagrams of the sprayer
system 100 are illustrated in accordance with aspects of the
present subject matter. In general, the sprayer system 100 may
utilize various components thereof to operate the sprayer during an
application process, a purge process, and/or a standby process
(i.e., no product is exhausted from the boom assembly 28). In
various instances, while operating in the application process, the
nozzle assemblies 68 mounted along a boom assembly 28 are
configured to selectively dispense the agricultural product stored
in the associated product tank 26 and/or the auxiliary tank 42 onto
underlying plants and/or soil. While operating in the purge
process, at least a portion of residual agricultural product within
the flow assembly 122 is exhausted through one or more purge valves
146. It will be appreciated, however, that the agricultural product
may additionally or alternatively be exhausted from the nozzle
assemblies 68 in addition to or in lieu of the purge valves 146
while the system 100 is operated in the purge process.
[0066] As illustrated in FIGS. 4-8, the product tank 26, the
auxiliary tank 42, and the nozzle assemblies 68 may be fluidly
coupled with one another through the flow assembly 122. The flow
assembly 122 can include one or more pumps 158 and/or plumbing-type
components that may collectively define a product circuit 160
having various flow paths that are selectively defined through the
flow assembly 122 to achieve corresponding functions of the product
system 120. The product pump 158 may be any device that moves the
agricultural product through the flow assembly 122. Plumbing-type
components include interconnected lines, such as tubes, pipes,
hoses, and valve systems with actuatable valves, including
electronically controllable valves. Some of the components may be
shared between various flow paths as the product system 120 is
operated in the various modes described herein.
[0067] As illustrated, the product circuit 160 may include a pump
inlet line 174 that is fluidly coupled with the product tank 26 and
an inlet of the pump 158 on opposing ends thereof. A product valve
176 is mounted within the pump inlet line 174 and can be actuated
to selectively allow or prevent flow from the product tank 26 to
the pump 158. A pump outlet line 178 delivers the agricultural
product in a downstream direction from the product pump 158 to
towards a flow path sensor. The flow path sensor 172 is configured
to monitor a product flow rate during the application process. A
product check valve, shown as check valve 180, has one-way
operation and automatically opens to allow flow in a downstream
direction from the flow path sensor 172 and closes to prevent
upstream flow to the flow path sensor 172.
[0068] Still referring to FIG. 4, downstream of the product check
valve 180, the pump outlet line 178 is fluidly coupled to a boom
line 182 that extends along the boom assembly 28. In the
illustrated example, the boom assembly 28 includes a plurality of
spray sections 162, 164, 166 that selectively receive the
agricultural product and/or air from other components or systems
within the system 100. A boom branch line 184 extends from the boom
line 182 to each of the spray sections 162, 164, 166. The section
feed valves 186 are mounted in the boom branch lines 184 and can be
actuated to selectively allow or prevent flow to the spray sections
162, 164, 166 from the boom branch lines 184. Downstream of each
section feed valve 186, a spray section line 188 extends across the
respective spray section 162, 164, 166. The nozzle assemblies 68 of
each spray section can connect to the spray section line 188 of the
corresponding spray section 162, 164, 166.
[0069] With further reference to FIG. 4, an auxiliary tank outlet
line 190 fluidly couples the auxiliary tank 42 to the pump inlet
line 174. An auxiliary tank outlet valve 192 may be mounted in the
auxiliary tank outlet line 190 and can be actuated to selectively
allow or prevent flow of an auxiliary tank solution from the
auxiliary tank 42 to the product outlet line 178. In some
instances, an auxiliary tank check valve, shown as check valve 194,
has one-way operation and automatically opens to allow flow in a
downstream direction from the auxiliary tank 42 and closes to
prevent upstream flow to the auxiliary tank 42.
[0070] The purge system 142 includes a movement device 144 fluidly
coupled with a purge line 196. The purge system 142 further
includes a purge valve 146 fluidly coupled with each spray section
162, 164, 166. As provided herein, each purge valve 146 is
configured to actuate from a closed position to an open position to
drain the agricultural product out of the respective spray section
162, 164, 166.
[0071] A delivery valve 198 is positioned within the purge line 196
and can be actuated to selectively allow or prevent flow from the
movement device 144. As provided herein, the movement device 144
may be implemented as a pump, a blower, a compressor, a fan, and/or
any other practicable device, which may be configured to provide
pressurized fluid or gas (e.g., air) to the pump outlet line 178
downstream of the product check valve 180. With at least one of the
purge valves 146 in an open position, the pressurized fluid or gas
may be configured to move the residual agricultural product within
the product circuit 160 downstream of the product check valve 180
through the open purge valve 146. In some instances, a purge line
check valve, shown as check valve 200, has one-way operation and
automatically opens to allow flow in a downstream direction from
the delivery valve 198 and closes to prevent upstream flow from the
pump outlet line 178.
[0072] The computing system 102 is configured to control the flow
assembly 122 to selectively define the fluid flow path(s) through
the sprayer 10 (FIG. 1) during the application process or the purge
process. As provided herein, the computing system 102 can include a
power supply and an on-board logic controller, along with
corresponding software and suitable memory for storing such
software and hardware including interconnecting conductors for
power and signal transmission 40 for detecting states or
characteristics within the sprayer system 100 or other systems of
the sprayer 10 (FIG. 1), as well as controlling electronic,
electro-mechanical, and hydraulic components of these systems.
[0073] In some examples, a user interface 22 may also be operably
coupled with the computing system 102 and allows an operator to
control the operation of various components of the system. For
example, the user interface 22 may be used to place the sprayer 10
in various modes. In addition, the computing system 102 may receive
data from various other systems (e.g., the drive system 125) and
selectively define the flow path when various conditions are
detected.
[0074] Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, various flow paths of the
product system 120 based on a mode of operation are illustrated in
accordance with aspects of the present subject matter.
Specifically, 5-7 illustrate the product system 120 of some
embodiments in various application processes and FIG. 8 illustrates
the product system 120 of some embodiments during the purge
process.
[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, various application processes
are schematically illustrated in accordance with various aspects of
the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 5 illustrates a flow
path in which the agricultural product is provided from the product
tank 26 to the product pump 158 and to the nozzle assemblies 68.
FIG. 6 illustrates a flow path in which the agricultural product is
provided from the auxiliary tank 42 to the product pump 158 and to
the nozzle assemblies 68. FIG. 7 illustrates a flow path in which
the agricultural product of the product tank 26 is combined with
the agricultural product of the auxiliary tank 42 upstream of the
product pump 158.
[0076] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow path of the flow assembly
122 with the product system 120 in a purge process is illustrated
in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. In various
embodiments, the product pump 158 may be deactivated during the
purge process. Rather, a movement device 144 may be activated to
provide a pressurized fluid or gas to the flow assembly 122. The
pressurized fluid or gas is configured to exhaust at least a
portion of the residual agricultural product from the flow assembly
122.
[0077] In some embodiments, a user may provide an input through the
user interface 22 or the remote electronic device 118 for the
product system 120 to be placed in the purge process. Upon
receiving the input, the computing system 102 may be configured to
determine whether one or more predefined conditions are detected.
In various embodiments, the one or more predefined conditions can
include the vehicle transmission 40 (FIG. 1) being in a parked
state, the boom assembly 28 being positioned in an unfolded
position, the boom assembly 28 being in a spray state, the vehicle
engine 38 (FIG. 1) is in an operating state, and/or the product
pump 158 operably coupled with the flow assembly 122 being in a
deactivated state.
[0078] If each of the one or more predefined conditions are
detected, the computing system 102 may actuate one or more purge
valves 146 of the purge system 142 from a closed position to an
open position. Additionally or alternatively, the computing system
102 may actuate one or more purge valves 146 upon receiving the
input prior to determining whether one or more predefined
conditions are detected. In such instances, If each of the one or
more predefined conditions are detected, the computing system 102
may activate the movement device.
[0079] In addition, in several embodiments, if each of the one or
more predefined conditions are detected, the computing system 102
may alter an engine parameter, which, in turn, provides additional
power to the movement device 144 of the purge system 142. For
example, the engine parameters can include throttle setting of the
engine 38 to adjust a rotational speed of the engine 38, a fuel/air
mixture of the engine 38, a timing of the engine 38, and/or other
suitable engine parameters to control engine output. For instance,
the computing system 102 may increase the rotational speed of the
engine 38 from a first rotational speed (e.g., less than 1,000
RPM), or a first output, to a second rotational speed (e.g.,
greater than 1,000 RPM).
[0080] In some examples, if one or more conditions are not
detected, a notification may be generated by the computing system
102 and the computing system 102 may prevent the purge process from
being initiated until the condition is detected. The notification
may be provided to the user interface 22, a related vehicle
notification system 116 (e.g., including components configured to
provide visual, auditory, or haptic feedback, such as lights,
speakers vibratory components, and/or the like), and/or a remote
electronic device 118. In various embodiments, the notification may
provide instructions to remedy the undetected condition.
[0081] If the purge process is active and one or more conditions
are no longer detected by the computing system 102, such as the
vehicle being removed from a parked state, an additional
notification may be provided to the user interface 22, a related
vehicle notification system 116 (e.g., including components
configured to provide visual, auditory, or haptic feedback, such as
lights, speakers vibratory components, and/or the like), and/or a
remote electronic device 118. In addition to providing a
notification, the computing system 102 may additionally or
alternatively cease operation of the purge process until each of
the predefined conditions is again detected.
[0082] Additionally or alternatively, the computing system 102 may
initiate the purge process automatically (e.g., without operator
input between the completion of the application process and the
initiation of the purge process) based on one or more predefined
circumstances.
[0083] Referring now to FIG. 9, a flow diagram of example control
logic 300 that may be executed by the computing system 102 (or any
other suitable computing system) for operating the product system
is illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject
matter. Specifically, the control logic 300 shown in FIG. 9 is
representative of steps of an example of a purge process algorithm
that can be executed to move the agricultural product contained
within the flow assembly through one or more purge valves. Thus, in
several embodiments, the control logic 300 may be advantageously
utilized in association with a system installed on or forming part
of an agricultural sprayer to allow for control of the product
system. However, in other embodiments, the control logic 300 may be
used in association with any other suitable system, application,
and/or the like for actuating the product system.
[0084] As shown in FIG. 9, at (302), the control logic 300 includes
receiving an input to initiate the boom purge system. As provided
herein, in some embodiments, a user may provide an input through a
user interface or a remote electronic device.
[0085] At (304), the control logic 300 includes actuating a valve
of the purge system from a closed position to an open position. As
provided herein, the boom assembly may include one or more sections
with each section having one or more nozzle assemblies and one or
more purge valves. Each of the purge valves may be concurrently in
the open position and/or a first valve may be actuated from a
closed position to an open position while a second valve remains in
a closed position. Additionally or alternatively, during the purge
process, the second valve may be actuated from a closed position to
an open position while the first valve remains and/or returns to a
closed position. Further, more than one valve may be placed in the
open position while other remaining valves may be placed in a
closed position or vice versa.
[0086] At (306)-(314), the control logic 300 includes determining
whether one or more predefined conditions are detected. Although
shown being sequentially detected in FIG. 9, it will be appreciated
that any or all of the predefined conditions may be concurrently
detected without departing from the teachings provided herein. It
will also be appreciated that the predefined conditions shown in
FIG. 9 are exemplary and additional conditions may be detected
and/or less than each of the predefined conditions shown may be
implemented by the control logic 300 without departing from the
teachings of the present disclosure.
[0087] In the illustrated example of FIG. 9, at (306), the control
logic 300 includes detecting whether the vehicle transmission is in
a parked state, which may be provided to the computing system from
a drive system of the vehicle.
[0088] At (308), the control logic 300 includes detecting that the
boom assembly is in an unfolded position, which may be determined
by one or more sensors 170. Suitable sensors may include position
sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers,
gyroscopes, etc.), vision sensors (e.g., cameras, LIDAR devices,
etc.), radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and/or the like, which
may each be capable of detecting whether the boom assembly is in
the working or unfolded position, as generally illustrated in FIG.
1, or a transport or folded position, as generally illustrated in
FIG. 2.
[0089] At (310), the control logic 300 includes detecting whether
the boom assembly is in a spray state, which may be determined by
one or more sensors 170. Suitable sensors may include position
sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors (e.g., accelerometers,
gyroscopes, etc.), vision sensors (e.g., cameras, LIDAR devices,
etc.), radar sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and/or the like.
[0090] At (312), the control logic 300 includes detecting whether a
power source is in an operating state. As used herein, the
operating state may be any state in which the power source is not
in an OFF state and/or capable of receiving a command and altering
an operational parameter of the power source based on the
command.
[0091] At (314), the control logic 300 includes detecting whether a
product pump operably coupled with the flow assembly is in a
deactivated state. In some instances, the activation state of the
product pump may be indicative of an operational mode of the
product system. In order to operate the purge process separately
from the application process, the state of the product pump may be
monitored.
[0092] If any of the predefined conditions are not detected,
indicating that a defined component of the sprayer system is not in
a correct state, at (306), (308), (310), (312), (314), the control
logic 300 may generate a notification at (316). The notification
may be provided to the user interface, a related vehicle
notification system (e.g., including components configured to
provide visual, auditory, or haptic feedback, such as lights,
speakers vibratory components, and/or the like), and/or a remote
electronic device. In addition to providing a notification, the
computing system may additionally or alternatively cease operation
of the purge process until each of the predefined conditions is
again detected.
[0093] At (318), the control logic 300 may determine if the purge
system is still active. In some instances, the purge system may
become inactive if a notification is not acknowledged by the user
and/or remedied within a defined time period. If the purge system
becomes inactive, the control logic 300 may cease operation of the
purge process at (320). If the purge system is activated, the
control logic 300 may return to (306) to detect whether the
predefined conditions (306), (308), (310), (312), (314) are each
detected.
[0094] If each of the predefined conditions is detected, at (322),
the control logic 300 includes altering an engine (or another power
source) parameter, which, in turn, provides additional power to the
movement device of the purge system. For example, the engine
parameters can include the throttle setting of the engine to adjust
a rotational speed of the engine, a fuel/air mixture of the engine,
a timing of the engine, and/or other suitable engine parameters to
control engine output. For instance, the computing system may
increase the rotational speed of the engine from a first rotational
speed (e.g., less than 1,000 RPM), or a first output, to a second
rotational speed (e.g., greater than 1,000 RPM).
[0095] At (324), the control logic 300 includes activating a
movement device fluid coupled with the valve of the purge system.
The activation of movement assembly provides a pressurized fluid or
gas to the product circuit to exhaust at least a portion of the
residual agricultural product from the flow assembly. The movement
device may be configured as a pump, a blower, a compressor, a fan,
and/or any other practicable device that is powered by the power
source.
[0096] At (326), the control logic 300 includes actuating the purge
valve from the open position to the closed position. In addition,
in some instances, the movement device may be deactivated prior to
the purge valve returning to the closed position.
[0097] At (328), the control logic 300 includes determining whether
additional spray sections are to be purged. As provided herein, the
purge valves may be sequentially actuated between the closed
position and the open position to ensure that various portions of
the flow assembly include sufficient pressure to exhaust the
agricultural product through the open purge valve. For example, a
first purge valve may be fluidly coupled with a first section 162
(FIG. 4) of the flow assembly, a second purge valve may be fluidly
coupled with a second section 164 (FIG. 4) of the flow assembly,
and a third purge valve may be fluidly coupled with a third section
166 (FIG. 4) of the flow assembly. In some instances, during the
purge process, the first valve may be actuated from a closed
position to an open position while the second valve and the third
valve remain in a closed position. Additionally or alternatively,
during the purge process, the second valve may be actuated from a
closed position to an open position while the first valve and the
third valve remain in a closed position. Additionally or
alternatively, during the purge process, the third valve may be
actuated from a closed position to an open position while the first
valve and the second valve remain in a closed position. Further,
more than one valve may be placed in the open position while other
remaining valves may be placed in a closed position. If at (328)
the control logic 300 determines that additional spray sections are
to be purged, the control logic 300 may return to (304) and open a
purge valve of the additional spray section. If at (328) the
control logic 300 determines that there are not any remaining spray
sections to be purged, the control logic 300 may end at (330).
[0098] In some instances, a notification may be generated that the
purge process has been completed at (320) and/or at (330). The
notification may be provided to the user interface, a related
vehicle notification system (e.g., including components configured
to provide visual, auditory, or haptic feedback, such as lights,
speakers vibratory components, and/or the like), and/or a remote
electronic device. In various embodiments, the notification may
provide instructions to remedy the undetected condition.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 10, a flow diagram of some embodiments
of a method 400 for the operation of a product system is
illustrated in accordance with aspects of the present subject
matter. In general, the method 400 will be described herein with
reference to the sprayer 10 and the sprayer system 100 described
above with reference to FIGS. 1-9. However, it will be appreciated
by those of ordinary skill in the art that the disclosed method 400
may generally be utilized with any suitable agricultural sprayer 10
and/or may be utilized in connection with a system having any other
suitable system configuration. In addition, although FIG. 10
depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of
illustration and discussion, the methods discussed herein are not
limited to any particular order or arrangement. One skilled in the
art, using the disclosures provided herein, will appreciate that
various steps of the methods disclosed herein can be omitted,
rearranged, combined, and/or adapted in various ways without
deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 10, at (402), the method 400 includes
receiving an input to initiate the purge system. As provided
herein, in some embodiments, a user may provide an input through a
user interface or a remote electronic device.
[0101] At (404), the method 400 includes actuating a first valve of
the purge system from a closed position to an open position. As
provided herein, the boom assembly may include one or more sections
with each section having one or more nozzle assemblies and one or
more purge valves. Each of the purge valves may be concurrently in
the open position and/or a first valve may be actuated from a
closed position to an open position while a second valve remains in
a closed position. Additionally or alternatively, during the purge
process, the second valve may be actuated from a closed position to
an open position while the first valve remains and/or returns to a
closed position. Further, more than one valve may be placed in the
open position while other remaining valves may be placed in a
closed position or vice versa.
[0102] At (406), the method 400 includes determining whether one or
more predefined conditions are detected. As provided herein, in
various embodiments, the one or more predefined conditions can
include the vehicle transmission being in a parked state, the boom
assembly being positioned in an unfolded position, the boom
assembly being in a spray state, the vehicle engine is in an
operating state, and/or the product pump operably coupled with the
flow assembly being in a deactivated state.
[0103] At (408), the method 400 includes generating a notification
when at least one of the one or more predefined conditions is not
detected. The notification may be provided to the user interface, a
related vehicle notification system (e.g., including components
configured to provide visual, auditory, or haptic feedback, such as
lights, speakers vibratory components, and/or the like), and/or a
remote electronic device. In various embodiments, the notification
may provide instructions to remedy the undetected condition.
[0104] At (410), the method 400 includes increasing a rotational
speed of an engine from a first rotational speed to a second
rotational speed. The engine provides power to a movement device of
the purge system. In some instances, the second rotational speed
can be at least twice the first rotational speed.
[0105] With the engine operating at the second rotational speed, at
(412), the method 400 includes activating the movement assembly to
provide a pressurized fluid or gas to a product circuit to exhaust
at least a portion of residual agricultural product from a flow
assembly of the sprayer through the purge valve. The movement
device may be configured as a pump, a blower, a compressor, a fan,
and/or any other practicable device that is powered by the power
source.
[0106] At (414), the method 400 can include actuating the first
valve of the purge system from the open position to a closed
position and actuating a second valve of the purge system from a
closed position to an open position. As provided herein, the boom
assembly may include one or more sections with each section having
one or more nozzle assemblies and one or more purge valves. Each of
the purge valves may be concurrently in the open position and/or a
first valve may be actuated from a closed position to an open
position while a second valve remains in a closed position.
Additionally or alternatively, during the purge process, the second
valve may be actuated from a closed position to an open position
while the first valve remains and/or returns to a closed position.
Further, more than one valve may be placed in the open position
while other remaining valves may be placed in a closed position or
vice versa.
[0107] At (416), the method 400 includes monitoring each of the one
or more predefined conditions while the first valve and/or the
second valve is in the open position. If any of the predefined
conditions are no longer detected, at (418), the method 400
includes generating a notification when a change in one or more
predefined conditions is detected.
[0108] At (420), the method 400 includes actuating the first valve
and/or the second valve from the open position to a closed position
after a predefined amount of time has elapsed. Additionally or
alternatively, the flow assembly may include one or more sensors
that provide data to the computing system indicative of a flow rate
and/or flow volume of the agricultural product from the purge
system. When the sensor provides data indicating that the flow rate
and/or flow volume is below a predefined threshold, the first valve
and/or the second valve may be actuated from the open position.
[0109] It is to be understood that the steps of any method
disclosed herein may be performed by a computing system upon
loading and executing software code or instructions which are
tangibly stored on a tangible computer-readable medium, such as on
a magnetic medium, e.g., a computer hard drive, an optical medium,
e.g., an optical disc, solid-state memory, e.g., flash memory, or
other storage media known in the art. Thus, any of the
functionality performed by the computing system described herein,
such as any of the disclosed methods, may be implemented in
software code or instructions which are tangibly stored on a
tangible computer-readable medium. The computing system loads the
software code or instructions via a direct interface with the
computer-readable medium or via a wired and/or wireless network.
Upon loading and executing such software code or instructions by
the controller, the computing system may perform any of the
functionality of the computing system described herein, including
any steps of the disclosed methods.
[0110] The term "software code" or "code" used herein refers to any
instructions or set of instructions that influence the operation of
a computer or controller. They may exist in a computer-executable
form, such as machine code, which is the set of instructions and
data directly executed by a computer's central processing unit or
by a controller, a human-understandable form, such as source code,
which may be compiled in order to be executed by a computer's
central processing unit or by a controller, or an intermediate
form, such as object code, which is produced by a compiler. As used
herein, the term "software code" or "code" also includes any
human-understandable computer instructions or set of instructions,
e.g., a script, that may be executed on the fly with the aid of an
interpreter executed by a computer's central processing unit or by
a controller.
[0111] This written description uses examples to disclose the
technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the technology, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the technology is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they include structural elements that do not
differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal language of the claims.
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