Brake Pedal Boom Control for Hands-Free Sprayer Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicle operators face discomfort and limited hand availability when continuously holding a button to fold or unfold application booms, restricting their ability to perform other tasks during the process.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes the brake pedal as an interface to control auto fold/unfold sequences, allowing operators to initiate the process with a button press and maintain control with their foot, freeing their hands, and automatically ceases the operation when the brake pedal is released.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a button or switch is used to automatically fold or unfold the boom, then the operation is simplified and automation is improved, but the operator must continuously hold the button which reduces ease of operation and hand availability
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pedal serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the boom control system. By using the brake pedal as a switch activation mechanism, the system allows the operator to initiate and control the boom fold/unfold sequence without continuously holding a separate button, thus freeing the hands while maintaining automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The brake pedal is repurposed to serve dual functions: its primary function for vehicle braking and its secondary function as a control switch for the boom fold/unfold operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a dedicated button, improving ease of operation while maintaining automation
2Reliability
If a button must be continuously held to control boom folding or unfolding, then control precision is maintained, but operator comfort deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake pedal mechanism leverages the operator's existing foot operation for vehicle control to simultaneously control the boom fold/unfold sequence. The system monitors the brake pedal state and automatically manages the boom control, eliminating the need for continuous manual button holding while maintaining precise control through the foot-operated interface
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of the invention, the brake pedal of an agricultural vehicle can be used as an interface to control auto fold/unfold sequences on a sprayer. This can allow functionality to be moved from a button, such as on the armrest, to the brake pedal using a controller, sensing and software. In one aspect, a button on the armrest can start the sequence, as long as the brake pedal is depressed. After the button is pressed, the operator can remove his hand from the button, but maintain the brake pedal depressed. If the operator lifts his foot off of the pedal, or initiates a different boom control button press, the sequence can stop. This can advantageously allow the operator to have the use of his hands during the sequence.