Breakaway Boom Hinge and Damper Control for Obstacle Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural applicators face issues with the outer portion of the boom assembly contacting obstacles during operation, necessitating an improved system for a breakaway boom section.
Innovation Solution
Agricultural systems incorporating a boom assembly with an inner boom section and a breakaway boom section, guided by a hinge assembly, and a damper system that includes brackets, a latch member, and a linkage to control the movement and return of the breakaway boom section to a default position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the boom assembly is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the damage from contacting obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom assembly is divided into multiple sections: inner boom section, outer boom section, and breakaway boom section. Each section can move independently, allowing the outer section to deflect upon obstacle contact while the inner section remains stable. The breakaway section is specifically designed to sacrifice itself to protect the main boom structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with controlled movement capabilities. The outer boom section can rotate relative to the inner section via a hinge assembly, and the breakaway section can pivot relative to the outer section, enabling the boom to adapt its configuration when contacting obstacles.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the breakaway boom section is allowed to move freely to avoid damage, then the damage reduction is improved, but the control over the boom section movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The damper system is pre-configured with brackets, latch members, and linkages that automatically engage when the breakaway boom section deflects. The system prepares the return mechanism in advance, so that when obstacle contact occurs, the section can move freely but will automatically return to its default position without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway boom section is equipped with an automatic return system that uses the section's own movement to trigger the damper mechanism. As the section deflects from contact, the linkage system activates the latch member rotation, causing the section to return to its default position autonomously without requiring operator action.
3Device complexity
If the boom assembly structure is simplified to reduce complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control breakaway section movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are combined into integrated components. The hinge assembly merges the pivot mechanism with structural support. The damper system combines brackets, latch members, linkages, and damping elements into a coordinated mechanism that provides both movement control and automatic return functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly and damper system serve multiple purposes: they provide structural connection, enable controlled movement, allow obstacle contact deflection, and facilitate automatic return to default position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural system includes a boom assembly including an inner boom section and a breakaway boom section. A hinge assembly may be configured to guide the movement of the breakaway boom section relative to the inner boom section. A damper system may include a first damper bracket operably coupled with the inner boom section, a second damper bracket operably coupled with the breakaway boom section, a latch member rotatably coupled with the first damper bracket at a first damper joint, a damper pivotably coupled with the first damper bracket and the latch member at a second damper joint, and a linkage operably coupled with the latch member on a first end portion thereof and the second damper bracket on a second end portion thereof.