Electromagnetic Boom Breakaway Mechanism for Agricultural Sprayers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional boom assemblies used in agricultural dispensing equipment rely on mechanical breakaway systems, which require complex setup procedures and apply excessive stress on the outer portions when encountering obstacles, leading to potential damage and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electromagnetic breakaway system that uses electromagnets to secure and release the boom portions, with a switch membrane controlling the energy state of the electromagnets to facilitate a stress-free breakaway mechanism, allowing the outer portion to pivot away from obstacles and return to alignment without mechanical shock.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical breakaway system is used to enable the boom ends to break away upon contact with obstacles, then the boom can swing away from obstacles, but the system causes excessive stress on the outer portion when hitting an object and requires complex setup procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreakaway functionVSAvoidsetup procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical breakaway system with an electromagnetic system. Electromagnets are positioned to engage with the outer portion of the boom to prevent breakaway under normal conditions. When an obstacle is detected by sensors, the electromagnets are de-energized, allowing the boom to break away without the complex mechanical linkages and setup procedures of traditional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces sensors as an intermediary between the boom and the breakaway mechanism. The sensors detect obstacles and trigger the electromagnetic system to de-energize, mediating the breakaway process. This eliminates the need for direct mechanical stress-based breakaway systems and their associated complex setup requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a mechanical breakaway system is used to enable the boom ends to break away upon contact with obstacles, then the boom can swing away from obstacles, but the system applies excessive stress on the outer portion when hitting an object

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreakaway functionVSAvoidstress on outer portion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical stress-based breakaway system with an electromagnetic system. Electromagnets provide holding force during normal operation, and when de-energized, allow gentle breakaway. This eliminates the need for mechanical systems that require high stress on the outer portion to initiate breakaway, thereby reducing stress and potential damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using sensors to detect obstacles before contact occurs. The electromagnetic system is de-energized in advance upon obstacle detection, preventing the boom from hitting the obstacle with full force. This preliminary action avoids the excessive stress that would occur in mechanical systems that only respond after contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If an electromagnetic breakaway system is used to secure and release boom portions, then mechanical parts are reduced and reliability is enhanced, but the system requires control of energy state of electromagnets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreakaway mechanismVSAvoidenergy state control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic breakaway system operates on a self-service principle where the electromagnets remain energized during normal operation to secure the boom portions, and automatically de-energize when sensors detect an obstacle. The system uses the presence or absence of electrical energy as the control mechanism, eliminating complex mechanical control systems while maintaining enhanced reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces mechanical parts, enhances reliability, and minimizes stress on the boom assembly, providing improved control and longer lifespan by eliminating the need for complex setup procedures and reducing the risk of damage during collisions.

Implementation Method 1

providing a first electromagnetic force between the first and second portions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

a first switch membrane coupled to the second portion and configured to control an energy state of the first and second electromagnets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSwitch membrane state change:

Data Source

PatentEP3454648B1Electromagnetic boom breakaway

Publication Date: 2020.04.08 AGCO CORP

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A

AI summary

A boom assembly, including a frame comprising a first portion and a second portion hingeably coupled to the first portion; and a hinge assembly hingeably coupling the first and second portions, the hinge assembly including first and second electromagnets coupled respectively to the first and second portions; a first switch membrane coupled to the second portion and configured to control an energy state of the first and second electromagnets.