Agricultural Boom Actuation for Terrain Deflection Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural applicators face challenges in maintaining consistent application of agricultural products due to terrain variations, which cause boom arms to deflect from their default position, leading to inconsistent and inaccurate application of the product.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a frame with pivotably coupled boom arms, sensors, and a computing system that activates actuation assemblies to adjust the boom arms when they deviate from a predefined angular range, using hydraulic circuits and valves to alter the length of the actuation assemblies and reposition the boom arms to minimize deflection and maintain alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the boom arm is allowed to move freely to adapt to terrain variations, then the applicator can traverse uneven ground, but the boom arm deflects from the default position leading to inconsistent application
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual position of the boom arm and provides feedback to the control system. The control system compares the detected position with the desired position and activates actuation assemblies to correct deviations, ensuring consistent application while allowing terrain adaptation
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects boom arm position deviations and activates actuation assemblies without operator intervention. The control system self-regulates the boom arm position to maintain application consistency while adapting to terrain variations
2Manufacturing precision
If actuation assemblies are activated to correct boom arm deflection, then application consistency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into modular components including sensors, control units, and actuation assemblies. Each component performs a specific function and can be independently managed, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining application consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation assemblies serve multiple functions: they correct boom arm deflection, maintain application consistency, and adapt to terrain variations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and reduces overall complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures more accurate and consistent application of agricultural products by counteracting deflection caused by terrain variations, maintaining the boom arms' alignment with the default position and reducing lateral variance, thereby improving application quality.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic circuit fluidly coupled with the first actuation assembly, the second actuation assembly, and a pump
Data Source
AI summary
A boom assembly for an agricultural applicator includes a frame supporting a boom arm pivotably coupled to the frame and rotatable about a first axis. A first actuation assembly is pivotably coupled to the frame and the boom arm at a first pivot point for rotation about a second axis on a first side of the first axis. A second actuation assembly is pivotably coupled to the frame and the boom arm at a second pivot point for rotation about a third axis on a second side of the first axis. A sensor is configured to detect data indicative of a relative position of the boom arm relative to the frame. A computing system is configured to activate at least one of the first actuation assembly or the second actuation assembly in response to determining that the boom arm has deviated from a predefined angular range.