Adjustable Spray Arm Assembly for Variable Crop Canopy Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spraying apparatus for tall agricultural crops, such as fruit trees, face challenges in efficiently reaching crops of varying heights and widths due to fixed wing configurations, leading to wasted spray and difficulty in maneuvering within orchards due to bulky and wide designs.
Innovation Solution
A spraying apparatus with horizontally spaced upright spray arm assemblies that can move their upper and lower parts to direct sprays downward and adjust laterally to accommodate different crop heights and widths, featuring articulated supporting arms that swing inwardly and outwardly to maximize coverage and minimize dimensions for easier movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed wing configurations are used to spray tall crops, then spray coverage can be maintained for standard crop heights, but spray is discharged above lower crops causing waste and inability to adapt to varying crop heights
Solution Approach 1:
The spray wings are made movable relative to the prime mover, allowing dynamic adjustment of spray height and position. The upper part of the spray assembly can move vertically to adapt to different crop heights, while the lower part remains fixed to provide stable spray coverage. This dynamic configuration eliminates spray waste by ensuring spray is always directed at the appropriate crop height.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed wing configurations are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the apparatus cannot move between rows or turn around easily in the orchard
Solution Approach 1:
The spray apparatus is divided into movable upper and lower parts, with the upper spray assembly capable of independent movement relative to the prime mover. This segmentation allows the upper part to be repositioned for turning and row transitions, while the lower part remains fixed for stable operation, enabling maneuverability without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray wings are made dynamically adjustable through movable connections to the prime mover. This dynamic capability allows the apparatus to adapt its configuration for different operational modes (spraying vs. turning), providing maneuverability between rows while maintaining structural simplicity through controlled movement rather than complete redesign.
3Area of stationary object
If wide wing configurations are used to cover broad crop areas, then spray coverage is improved, but the apparatus becomes bulky and difficult to transport on roads
Solution Approach 1:
The spray wings are made collapsible or movable relative to the prime mover, allowing them to be extended to wide configurations during spraying operations for maximum coverage, and then collapsed or retracted for compact transportation. This dynamic size adjustment resolves the contradiction between coverage area and transportation ease.
4Manufacturing precision
If the upper spray part is fixed horizontally, then structural simplicity is maintained, but spray cannot be directed downward to reach upper parts of tall crops effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The upper spray assembly is given vertical movement capability through movable connections, allowing it to adjust its height and spray direction dynamically. This enables the spray to be directed downward at precise angles to reach upper parts of tall crops effectively, while the movement mechanism remains relatively simple through the use of movable rather than fixed connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Spraying apparatus (1) is provided that has two horizontally disposed upright spray arm assemblies (33) that each carry sprayers (43). Each spray arm assembly (33) has a sprayer (43) in an upper part (35) and a sprayer (43) in a lower part (37). The upper part (35) is able to move relative to the lower part (37) so the axis of spraying from the upper part (35) will be downwardly directed towards an upper part of crop to be sprayed. The spray arm assemblies (33) are mounted on respective arms (25) for moving laterally inwardly or outwardly relative to a longitudinal direction of a row of crop to accommodate for different width crops and/or different crop row widths.