Lateral Boom Working Head Alignment via Pressure Differential
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles with pivoting working heads face irregular processing patterns due to external forces, requiring frequent manual adjustments, especially in uneven areas, as the working head deviates from a parallel position to the surface being processed.
Innovation Solution
A self-propelled or towed vehicle equipped with a laterally extendable boom featuring a sensor system to detect pressure differences between inner and outer support areas, coupled with an adjusting device that automatically corrects the alignment angle of the working head around its holding axis, ensuring parallel positioning with the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual control of the working head alignment is used, then the working head can be adjusted to follow the surface contour, but frequent manual adjustments are required resulting in loss of time and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-adjustment of the working head alignment by using sensors to detect pressure differences and automatically actuating the positioning device, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention while maintaining precise alignment with the surface contour
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the pressure difference between inner and outer support areas through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the working head alignment angle, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal positioning without manual intervention
2Adaptability or versatility
If the working head is extended laterally over large distances to reach distant areas, then the working range is increased, but external forces cause greater deviation from parallel position requiring more frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic alignment system continuously compensates for external forces acting on the extended working head by detecting pressure differences and self-correcting the alignment angle, enabling stable operation over large lateral distances without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect pressure differences and actuators to automatically adjust the working head alignment, eliminating the need for operator intervention even when working at extended ranges
3Device complexity
If the working head remains fixed in parallel position, then simple mechanical design is sufficient, but external forces on uneven terrain cause irregular working patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed parallel position to a dynamic automatically adjusting position, where the working head alignment angle continuously adapts to external forces and terrain variations, maintaining uniform processing patterns through real-time adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure sensors to detect external forces and automatically adjusts the working head alignment in response, creating a feedback-controlled dynamic system that maintains processing uniformity despite varying external conditions
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 solution allows for automatic adjustment of the working head's alignment, eliminating the need for manual control and maintaining optimal processing patterns even in uneven areas, with the ability to handle large working head extensions up to over 10 meters.
Implementation Method 1
the working head is equipped with sensors for determining a pressure difference between an inner contact area of the working head located transversely between the holding axis and the supporting vehicle and an outer contact area of the working head located transversely outside the axis
Implementation Method 2
If the actuator is hydraulic or pneumatic, a simple implementation using standard parts is possible. In particular, the actuator can be hydraulic
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle (1) with at least one laterally extendable boom (4) for supporting a working head (3), in particular a milling or mowing head, wherein a mounted working head (3) is pivotable about a holding axis (A) parallel to the direction of travel, wherein, depending on the position and design of the area (B) to be processed, a force in one or the other pivoting direction (U;GU) can be applied to the working head (3) from the outside, is designed such that the working head (3) is provided with a sensor (5) for determining a pressure difference and with an adjusting device (6) for the alignment angle (□) of the working head (3) about the holding axis (A), wherein a pressure difference between an inner support area (IB) of the working head (3) lying transversely between a projection of the holding axis onto the ground (B) and the supporting vehicle (1) and an outer support area (AB) of the working head (3) lying transversely outside the projection can be determined.