Agricultural Spreading Device with Segmented Boom Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural distribution machines with large working widths struggle to precisely treat corners, curves, and edges of fields without damaging the plant population or causing double treatments, due to uncontrolled pivoting and alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
The distribution machine features a distribution device with motorized linkage segments that can be pivoted and adjusted based on sensor data, including edge structure detection, to maintain parallel or right-angled orientation, allowing for precise treatment of field edges and corners, and can be controlled autonomously to avoid overlaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the distribution device is made rigid and fixed in position, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but the device cannot adapt to field edges, corners, and curves without damaging plants or causing double treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or sections along its length. Each segment can be individually pivoted about upright axes to adapt to field edges, corners, and curves while the overall structure remains manageable. This segmentation allows localized adaptation without requiring the entire device to be complex and movable.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distribution device is made highly movable and adjustable, then the device can precisely treat field edges and corners, but the device structure becomes complex and less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device incorporates motorized actuators that enable dynamic adjustment of segment positions and orientations in real-time during field operations. This allows the device to transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamically adaptable configuration, achieving precise positioning at field edges and corners while maintaining overall structural stability through controlled movement rather than complete flexibility.
3Extent of automation
If the distribution device is equipped with advanced sensor and control systems, then the machine can operate autonomously and precisely, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device incorporates sensors (such as GPS, inertial measurement units, and field edge detection sensors) that continuously monitor the machine's position, orientation, and the surrounding environment. This feedback is processed by control systems that automatically adjust the distribution device's segment positions and orientations to maintain precise alignment with field boundaries and optimal application patterns, enabling autonomous operation with proportionate control complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural spreading machine (10) is disclosed, comprising a frame (18), one or more storage containers (24), and a spreading device (30) for dispensing liquids and/or granular or granular materials. The spreading device (30) is movably arranged on the frame (18) and is divided into several boom segments (32) which are pivotably arranged relative to each other and/or to the frame (18) via upright axes (36). At least one motorized actuator (40), controllable by an electronic control device (42), is provided for pivoting the boom segments. Sensors (60) for detecting and transmitting an actual value regarding their orientation are assigned to the boom segments (32), the upright axes (36), the spreading device (30), and/or the at least one motorized actuator (40).It is provided that the travel speed of at least one actuator is determined or controlled depending on sensor-detected parameters (76). The invention also relates to a method for controlling an agricultural spreading machine (10).