Actuator Nesting in Agricultural Boom Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing extendable and retractable boom systems for agricultural machines and sprayers face challenges in achieving efficient and reliable 180-degree rotational movement between boom sections, often resulting in complex mechanisms and vulnerability to damage from obstructions.
Innovation Solution
The assembly incorporates an actuator mechanism within the first boom section, combined with hinged elements and link arms, allowing for 180-degree rotational movement between boom sections, providing a compact and protected design that enables convenient extension and retraction while minimizing damage from obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional actuator mechanism with external mounting is used for boom section rotation, then the rotational movement can be achieved, but the mechanism becomes complex and vulnerable to damage from obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is nested inside the first boom section's frame structure, with the actuator housed within the frame elements. This nesting protects the actuator from external obstructions while maintaining its rotational function between boom sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator mechanism is integrated with the frame structure of the first boom section, combining the support function of the frame with the actuation function. This merging simplifies the overall structure by eliminating separate mounting components and reducing the number of parts.
2Volume of moving object
If the actuator is mounted externally on the boom section, then installation and maintenance are easier, but the design occupies more space and is more vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is nested within the frame structure of the first boom section, utilizing the internal space of the frame. This reduces the overall volume occupied by the mechanism and integrates it into the existing boom structure.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design with internal actuator mounting is used, then protection from damage and space efficiency are improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator mechanism is merged with the frame structure, where the frame elements serve both structural and mounting functions. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall mechanism despite the compact arrangement.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosure refers to an assembly for an extendable and retractable boom of an agricultural machine, comprising a first boom section (20); a second boom section (21) connected to the first boom (20) section by an articulating joint (22) configured to allow 180 degrees rotational movement between the first and second boom sections (20, 21); an arrangement of hinged elements (28) connected to both the first and the second boom sections (20, 21); and an actuator mechanism, the actuator mechanism, wherein the actuator mechanism and the arrangement of hinged elements (28) are configured to produce the 180 degrees rotational movement between the first and second boom sections (20, 21), and the actuator (25) is configured to drive the 180 degrees rotational movement. The arrangement of hinged elements (28) comprises: a plurality of link arms (29a, 29b) provided in a link arm arrangement; a first lever element (33), wherein the first lever element (33) is pivotally connected on opposite sides to the actuator (25) and a first mounting point (32a), respectively; and a second lever element (31), wherein the second lever element (31) is pivotally connected on opposite sides to an articulating joint (30) of the link arm arrangement and a second mounting point (32b), respectively. Further, an agricultural sprayer is provided, comprising an extendable and retractable boom having the assembly. (Fig. 2)