Fluid flow monitoring and control system for an agricultural sprayer

摘要

A fluid flow monitoring and control system for a self-propelled applicator which may be a sprayer and is configured to allow real-time visual monitoring of graphical representations of system statuses, control of the systems, and coordinated control instructions for multiple tasks through a single user input or command. The fluid flow monitoring and control system may include a touchscreen HMI providing electronic control and monitoring for the systems and components of the applicator. A rules engine may be implemented to prevent erroneous states, such as activating a pump without fluid flow to the pump as a rule implemented interlock to prevent inadvertent rapid component wear or other compromises of system integrity.

主权项

1. A fluid flow monitoring and control system for a self-propelled agricultural sprayer, the system comprising:
a product storage system having a product tank storing an agricultural liquid product on a chassis of the sprayer; a spray boom supported by the chassis of the sprayer and defining multiple spray sections receiving the liquid product and selectively delivering the liquid product to an agricultural field; an on-board valve system including a product tank outlet valve configured to actuate between a closed position preventing flow of the liquid product out of the product tank and an open position permitting flow of the liquid product out of the product tank; a boom valve system including multiple spray section feed valves, wherein each of the spray section feed valves is configured to actuate between a closed position preventing flow of the liquid product for delivery through a respective spray section and an open position permitting flow of the liquid product through the respective spray section; a control system for controlling the on-board and boom valve systems, the control system including an operator interface with a monitor displaying a current state of each of the product tank outlet valve and the spray section feed valves with the current state corresponding to whether the product tank outlet valve and the spray section feed valves are in the closed or open positions at a current time, and wherein the monitor includes a touchscreen with a first set of buttons controlling the boom valve system and a second set of buttons controlling the on-board valve system.