Hydraulic Boom Assembly Control for Consistent Spray Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural applicators face challenges in maintaining consistent boom arm heights during spray operations due to varying terrain, leading to inconsistent application of agricultural products.
Innovation Solution
A system with a cylinder and piston rod operably coupled between boom sections, controlled by a control circuit with a pressure relief assembly and flow control device, allowing precise adjustment of boom assembly positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the boom assembly is made adjustable in height, then the ability to maintain consistent boom arm heights is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom assembly is designed with dynamically adjustable height capabilities through hydraulic cylinders that can raise or lower individual boom sections. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to varying terrain conditions while maintaining consistent boom arm heights relative to the ground, directly resolving the contradiction between height adjustability and precision maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic control systems with pressure relief valves and flow control devices are integrated into the boom assembly to enable smooth, controlled height adjustments. The hydraulic mechanism provides the necessary force and precision for maintaining consistent boom arm heights while managing the complexity through standardized hydraulic components.
2Measurement precision
If flow control devices are added to the hydraulic circuit, then the precision of boom position adjustment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Flow control devices are integrated into the hydraulic circuit to regulate fluid flow and provide precise control over boom section positioning. These devices enable fine-tuned adjustment of boom heights while the hydraulic system manages the overall complexity through established fluid dynamics principles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses adjustable pressure relief valves that can be set to different pressure setpoints to control the hydraulic pressure in the boom assembly. This parameter adjustment capability allows precise control of boom positions without requiring complex control mechanisms, as the pressure settings can be modified to match specific operational requirements.
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
Ensures consistent boom arm heights relative to the ground, enhancing the accuracy and uniformity of agricultural product application.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief assembly including a pressure relief valve and a flow control device, the flow control device positioned between the cylinder and the pressure relief valve in the control circuit
Implementation Method 2
a flow control device positioned between the cylinder and the pressure relief valve in the control circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a boom assembly can include a cylinder including a piston rod and a housing. The cylinder can be operably coupled between a first boom section and a second boom section of the boom assembly. A control circuit can be fluidly coupled with the cylinder. The control circuit includes a first pressure relief assembly including a first pressure relief valve and a first flow control device. The first flow control device can be positioned between the cylinder and the first pressure relief valve in the control circuit.