Inverted Truss Geometry for Compact Agricultural Spray Boom Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spray boom structures are bulky when folded, making them difficult to transport and store due to their triangular design, which results in a large transport width and height, and complicates ingress and egress for operators.

Innovation Solution

A spray boom truss structure with multiple pivot axes, featuring a primary boom segment and a secondary boom segment with an inverted structure, allowing for compact folding by pivoting the secondary boom segment upward and nesting it behind the primary boom segment, facilitated by strategically located hinges and an underside truss support member made of carbon fiber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional triangular truss boom designs are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the transport width and height increase making the sprayer too bulky for efficient transport and storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolded package volumeVSAvoidboom structure strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional truss geometry by positioning the truss elements below the boom base member instead of above it. This inversion allows the boom segments to fold in a compact configuration where the inverted truss structures nest together, significantly reducing the folded height and volume while preserving structural strength during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces multiple pivot axes including a vertical pivot axis in addition to the conventional horizontal pivot axis. This enables the boom segments to fold in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, transforming the folding motion from a single-plane operation to a multi-dimensional collapse that achieves a much more compact folded package

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If conventional hinges pivoting 180 degrees are used, then folding capability is achieved, but the outer portion places an outer portion either on top or alongside the inner portion increasing bulkiness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidfolded package volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The boom is divided into multiple segments with inverted truss structures that can independently fold and nest. Each segment's inverted truss configuration allows it to collapse inward rather than outward, enabling the segments to stack compactly one within another rather than extending the overall folded volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inverted truss geometry enables the boom segments to nest within each other when folded, similar to nested dolls. The segments are arranged so that outer segments can be positioned inside or alongside inner segments in a space-efficient manner, dramatically reducing the folded package volume compared to conventional designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Volume of moving object

If vertically stacking truss boom segments is attempted, then compact folding is achieved, but the bulky design makes vertical stacking infeasible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolded package volumeVSAvoidvertical stacking feasibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the truss geometry, the patent enables vertical stacking to become feasible. The inverted configuration positions all truss elements below the base member, creating a streamlined profile that allows segments to stack vertically without interference from upper truss structures, solving the infeasibility problem of conventional designs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11737447B2Inverted truss geometry for agricultural spray boom

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

A boom truss structure for an agricultural sprayer that includes boom segments on either side of the sprayer, including primary boom segments, secondary boom segments attached to the primary boom segments at a first hinge, and breakaway boom segments attached to the secondary boom segments at a second hinge. The primary boom segment includes truss elements extending upwardly from a base support member. The secondary boom also includes a base support member, but with an inverted underside truss support member that is located underneath the base support member instead of on top of the base support member. This allows the secondary boom segment to fold on top of the primary boom segment in a compact manner about a lower pivot axis. Additionally, the breakaway boom segment may be folded initially about the secondary boom segment, after which the secondary boom segment is folded about the primary boom segment.