Modular Spray Boom Arm Structure for Flexible Nozzle Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional manufacturing of agricultural spray boom arms and segments is costly and inefficient due to the need for numerous welding jigs and variable nozzle spacing, which complicates the production of structures with high mechanical strength and interference-free nozzle installation.
Innovation Solution
A modular element design featuring a first profile with a longitudinal housing, reinforcement, stiffeners, and lateral plates that allow for bolted assembly and welding without jigs, accommodating spray nozzles without interference and providing mechanical strength across various spacings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If numerous extruded profiles are welded together using welding jigs, then mechanical resistance and structural strength are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into modular segments that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. Each segment contains integrated nozzle housings and mounting features, reducing the number of separate components that need to be welded together while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design merges multiple functions into single components: the structural profile integrates nozzle mounting brackets, housing features, and reinforcement elements. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts and welding operations required while preserving mechanical strength.
2Strength
If numerous extruded profiles are positioned on jigs and welded together, then structural integrity is ensured, but production time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Nozzle housings and mounting features are pre-integrated into the profile design during manufacturing, rather than being added separately during assembly. This preliminary integration eliminates subsequent welding steps and reduces production time while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular segments are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized features that allow them to be manufactured using the same processes and assembled in different configurations. This universality streamlines production and reduces the need for custom welding jigs for each variant.
3Manufacturing precision
If the structure is sized specifically for each nozzle spacing, then precise nozzle placement is achieved, but adaptability to different spacing requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segment design allows for dynamic reconfiguration of nozzle spacing by assembling different numbers and combinations of standard segments. The standardized interfaces enable flexible arrangement while maintaining precise spacing through the inherent geometry of the modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the fundamental structure for each spacing requirement, the design maintains a standard modular unit size and achieves different spacing configurations by varying the number and arrangement of modules. This parameter adjustment approach preserves manufacturing precision while enhancing adaptability.
4Manufacturing precision
If the arm structure is designed to accommodate spray nozzles without interference, then homogeneous spraying is achieved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle housings and mounting features are nested within or integrated into the structural profile itself. This nesting approach allows the spray system to be accommodated within the existing structural geometry without adding separate external components, thereby maintaining spray precision while minimizing structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular element (1) for the manufacture of an arm or an arm segment of a spray boom equipped with spray nozzles, notable in that it comprises at least: - a first profile (4) defining a longitudinal housing (5) open downwards and at each of its longitudinal ends, - a reinforcement (6) arranged above the first profile (4) so that the respective longitudinal axes of the reinforcement (6) and of the first profile (4) belong to the vertical plane P of longitudinal symmetry of said modular element (1), - a plurality of stiffeners (7) longitudinally connecting at least the first profile (4) and the reinforcement (6) together, and - two plates (8,9) each arranged at one of the longitudinal ends of said first profile (4) and laterally connecting at least the longitudinal ends of the first profile (4) and the reinforcement (6).