Multi-Directional Breakaway System for Agricultural Boom
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop sprayer boom trip mechanisms are inadequate for larger booms, as they are prone to collisions and limited in breakaway directions, failing to effectively manage uneven terrain and obstacles due to their single-axis trip motion.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a breakaway system that employs axle brakes and multiple levels of resistance, allowing for manageable breakaway of longer and heavier boom segments in various directions, including beyond the fold axis, utilizing a dual hinge frame, axle brake, spring and dampener system, and chains to facilitate multi-directional movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If larger booms are used to cover more ground, then productivity increases, but the risk of collision with obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple sections that can independently collapse or break away upon encountering obstacles. This segmentation allows the boom to protect itself by separating into manageable sections, reducing damage while maintaining the capability for large ground coverage during normal operation.
2Device complexity
If single-axis trip mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different obstacle directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trip mechanism is designed with multi-directional sensing capabilities and breakaway points that can respond to obstacles approaching from various directions. This universal design allows the same mechanism to handle different obstacle types and directions, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing 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 enhances the resilience and flexibility of crop sprayer booms, enabling them to navigate uneven terrain and obstacles more effectively, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational efficiency by allowing breakaway in multiple directions and stages of resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The breakaway system includes a spring and dampener system configured to return the second boom section to the extended position upon removal of the external force
Implementation Method 2
The breakaway system includes a spring and dampener system configured to return the second boom section to the extended position upon removal of the external force
Implementation Method 3
The breakaway system includes at least a first arm that rotates in a first direction responsive to movement of the second beam section from the extended position, and an axle brake coupled to resist movement of the first arm in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A boom for an agricultural machine includes at least two boom sections and a breakaway system. The first boom section connects to a vehicle and supports fluid delivery components. The second boom section connects to the first boom section in an extended position aligned with the first boom section. The breakaway system is coupled between the first boom section and the second boom section. The breakaway system moves the second boom section with respect to the first boom an initial amount in response to an external force exceeding an initial resistance of the breakaway system, and moves the first boom beyond the initial amount in response to the external force exceeding a second resistance of the breakaway system, wherein the initial resistance is greater than the second resistance. The breakaway system is further configured to return the second boom to the extended position upon removal of the external force.