The Suspension System for Pesticide Spraying designed by Đinh Văn Trung (a 12th-grade student) aims to ease the burden on farmers. He received a commendation at the 2023 Science Initiative contest organized by VnExpress.
Đinh Văn Trung is currently studying at Diễn Châu 2 High School in Nghệ An. Trung explains that he created the pesticide spraying system after witnessing his parents, who are farmers, struggling to carry heavy pesticide tanks across the fields. He wanted to develop a device to support them and reduce their hardship.
Student Đinh Văn Trung (third from left) receiving a commendation. (Photo: Giang Huy).
During the day, he studies for his final exams, but at night, Trung experiments with his design. There were many nights he fell asleep during classes due to late-night work, and despite being reminded by his teachers, his passion kept him going. After nearly three months, the model was completed and installed in his backyard.
The system utilizes simple components such as a motorized pulling head, cables, pulleys, spray arms with misting nozzles, iron poles, a pump, and a pesticide container. To set up, two poles are anchored at either end of the suspension system, followed by pulling the cable, connecting the water line, and starting the motor. The spray arm moves along the cable line, making it adaptable to various terrains, easy to install, and convenient for transportation. This product is expected to help farmers avoid the hassle of carrying heavy pesticide tanks or renting expensive equipment.
Trung mentioned that during his testing process, he had to disassemble the device multiple times because of miscalculations regarding the weight of the spray arm, the pulling motor’s strength, and the durability of the poles. These limitations were later recalibrated and addressed.
To ensure a sturdy structure for misting operations, Trung designed the iron poles to consist of a main pole and several smaller welded legs, making it easier to install or remove. The cables are made from durable and flexible materials like parachute cord and bull nose wire. Lacking sufficient machinery, he traveled around to rent and seek help from others to cut and weld some components of the device.
The suspension system for pesticide spraying designed by Đinh Văn Trung. (Photo: NVCC).
When installed in the field, the cable is pulled over two pulleys attached to the poles. The spray arm is then connected to one end of the cable, and the water hose is linked to the spray arm. Trung explained that when attaching the spray arm to the two cables, one cable remains fixed while the other features a bearing for movement, creating a perpendicular structure between the cable and the spray arm. At this point, the spray arm is balanced and parallel to the ground throughout the spraying path. Next, the battery is connected to the pulling motor mounted on the iron pole while the pump, connected to the intake side of the pesticide container, feeds into the spray arms. Once the pesticide flow through the spray nozzles stabilizes, the pulling motor switch is activated, moving the spray arm along the cable. Upon reaching the end point, flipping the switch back allows the spray arm to return to the starting position for a second spray or to shift the poles for the next spraying location, initiating a new cycle.
According to the creator, the limitation of this method is that it requires setting up poles and pulling cables for each spraying session in different fields. However, this system performs exceptionally well in greenhouse environments since it only needs to be installed once and can be relocated without disassembly, unlike in open fields. Trung suggested a solution by pre-burying the anchoring points, which would save time and effort during installation.
The control motor of the mobile cable suspension pesticide spraying device. (Photo: NVCC)
With the idea of applying science and technology to support his family and inspire creativity within the community, Đinh Văn Trung’s product received a commendation of 20 million VND at the 2023 Science Initiative contest. The jury praised the idea as highly encouraging, reflecting the true spirit of innovation in seeking practical solutions to real-life challenges.
Trung shared that the award is significant and fulfills his passion for creativity. “I was very happy to visit Hanoi and meet real scientists, and I aspire to become a scientist myself,” Trung stated, hoping for support to develop and spread his device nationwide.
In an interview, Mr. Nguyễn Viết Hùng, Deputy Director of the Nghệ An Department of Science and Technology, commended the innovative spirit of young people, especially high school students. He noted that many ideas and initiatives arise from classroom knowledge, books, the internet, and particularly real-life experiences, deserving of recognition and reward to be scaled up. “The support from professionals, scientists, and businesses is crucial in helping these young innovators refine their ideas and nurture their dreams,” Mr. Hùng remarked.
The leadership of the Nghệ An Department of Science and Technology further expressed their ongoing commitment to nurturing young researchers, emphasizing the need for strong government policies to enhance research activities and create an environment conducive to fostering young scientists.
