Articulated Boom for Mowing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mowing and cutting devices with booms face challenges in reaching over obstacles like signs and maintaining a compact transport position without obstructing the driver's view or exceeding vehicle width, especially when trying to reach high or narrow targets.
Innovation Solution
A boom design with articulated sections that can be adjusted to extend in the working position while folding compactly in the transport position, allowing the mowing head to remain within the vehicle width and enabling clear visibility, featuring a retractable third section and adjustable angles between sections for optimal reach and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the boom sections are extended long to reach over obstacles, then the reach over obstacles is improved, but the transport width increases and visibility above the vehicle is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple articulated sections (first section, second section, third section) that can be folded relative to each other. This segmentation allows the boom to achieve long reach when extended while collapsing to a compact width during transport, resolving the contradiction between reach capability and transport dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom sections are arranged to fold in a vertical plane during transport, transitioning from a horizontal extended configuration to a vertical folded configuration. This dimensional transformation allows the boom to occupy minimal lateral space during transport while maintaining full extendability for obstacle clearance when needed.
2Area of stationary object
If the boom is folded transversely in front of the vehicle for transport, then the transport width is reduced, but the driver's view above the vehicle is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is segmented into multiple sections that can be folded at different angles. The first section folds at an acute angle to the vehicle longitudinal axis, the second section folds at an acute angle to the first section, and the third section folds at an acute angle to the second section. This multi-stage folding creates a compact configuration that minimizes lateral projection while maintaining vertical clearance for driver visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom sections are designed with adjustable folding angles that can be optimized for different vehicle types and operating conditions. The acute angle folding configuration provides a compact transport profile, while the sections can be positioned to maintain adequate vertical clearance above the vehicle to preserve driver visibility.
3Length of moving object
If the boom sections are arranged to reach high obstacles, then the reach over obstacles is improved, but the acute angle between sections creates a narrow effective width for reaching
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into three articulated sections with independent folding capabilities. This segmentation allows each section to be positioned optimally for different obstacle types - the first section provides vertical height, the second section provides lateral reach, and the third section extends the working head. The acute angle folding of each section creates a telescopic effect that maximizes both vertical and lateral reach capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom sections are designed with adjustable folding angles that can be dynamically optimized for different operating conditions. The acute angle folding configuration (less than 90 degrees) creates a telescopic arrangement that maximizes the effective working width while maintaining vertical reach capability, allowing the boom to adapt to various obstacle configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A grass mower or snow-clearance cutter is fitted to the articulated side-arm projecting from a truck or tractor. The arm distal end bears a suitable working mechanical implement hanging roughly vertically from the distal attachment point. The side-arm can be maneuvered in both the azimuth and vertical planes.