Eccentric Connector Damping System for Agricultural Sprayer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid connections between agricultural sprayers and tractors transmit ground irregularities and sudden movements to the liquid tank, causing discomfort for operators and reducing the structural life of the sprayer and tractor components.
Innovation Solution
A damping system with eccentric connectors and elastomer damping elements, featuring upper and lower stops to limit actuation and prevent plastic deformation, provides horizontal and vertical damping while minimizing the deterioration of the damping element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid connections are used between the sprayer and tractor, then structural strength is improved, but comfort for the operator deteriorates and fatigue stresses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a damping element as an intermediary component between the rigid connector and the sprayer chassis. This damping element absorbs shocks and vibrations from ground irregularities, preventing them from being transmitted to the operator while maintaining the structural strength of the connection. The damping element acts as a mediator that decouples the rigid mechanical connection from the operator's experience.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the chassis is entirely free to rotate around the articulation, then damping of brusque movements is improved, but deterioration of the damping element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates upper and lower stops that pre-limit the rotation range of the connector around the articulation axis. These stops prevent the damping element from undergoing excessive deformation by establishing predetermined mechanical boundaries. The stops are positioned to allow sufficient damping action while preventing plastic deformation of the damping element, thus extending its service life.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the damping element is allowed to fully actuate, then comfort for the operator is improved, but plastic deformation of the damping element occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The upper stop is positioned to prevent the damping element from exceeding its elastic deformation limits. By establishing this mechanical boundary in advance, the system ensures that the damping element remains within its safe operating range, providing adequate comfort to the operator without risking plastic deformation or permanent damage to the damping element.
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
The damping system effectively reduces the transmission of brusque movements between the sprayer and tractor, extending the useful life of the tractor and sprayer components while maintaining the damping element's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a damping element actuated against a wall of the chassis by the rotation of the connector around the articulation
Implementation Method 2
the said connector comprising a damping element actuated against a wall of the chassis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Damping system for a suspended agricultural sprayerDamping system for a suspended agricultural sprayer (2), the said agricultural sprayer (2) comprising a supporting chassis (5), which comprises a connector (4) attached to the chassis (5) by means of an articulation (8), the said connector (4) comprising a receiving area (46) for receiving a coupling member (3) of the rear part of an agricultural tractor (1), the said receiving area (46) being eccentric with respect to the articulation (8) to which the connector (4) is attached, the said connector (4) comprising a damping element actuated against a wall of the chassis (5) by the rotation of the connector (4) around the articulation (8), the said rotation being caused by the action of the coupling member (3) on the receiving area (46).