Multi-axis linkage for compact agricultural boom folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spray boom designs with exposed fold cylinders cause airflow turbulence and limit compact folding due to the cylinder position, leading to inefficient spray patterns and increased size when folded.
Innovation Solution
A multi-axis linkage system with two trunnion-style cylinders and a multipoint winged link that positions the cylinders within the truss volume during operation and extends them when folded, minimizing wind turbulence and maximizing compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a single long hydraulic cylinder is used to actuate the 4 bar linkage, then the boom can be folded, but the cylinder and linkage lie between the two halves of the folded truss requiring the folded assembly to be dimensionally larger
Solution Approach 1:
The single long hydraulic cylinder is divided into two separate cylinders. This segmentation allows each cylinder to be positioned independently within the truss structure, eliminating the need for the cylinders to lie between the folded truss halves and reducing the overall folded dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage design transitions from a planar 4-bar mechanism to a multi-axis three-dimensional linkage. This dimensional change allows the cylinders and linkage to be arranged in three-dimensional space within the truss volume, enabling more compact folding configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the cylinder and linkage are positioned to enable folding, then the boom can be collapsed, but the exposed cylinder position causes airflow turbulence affecting spray pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinders and linkage components are nested within the truss structure volume during the operating position. This nesting conceals the cylindrical components from the external airflow, preventing them from causing turbulence that would affect spray pattern uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically reconfigures the cylinder and linkage positions based on the boom state. In the operating position, components are positioned within the truss to minimize wind exposure. During folding, the components extend outward as needed for the folding action, allowing both operational requirements to be met.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-axis linkage for use with a collapsible boom of an agricultural vehicle is disclosed. The collapsible boom includes a first boom segment having a first truss and a second boom segment having a second truss. The multi-axis linkage includes a first linear motor, a second linear motor, and a multipoint winged link. The first linear motor has a piston rod. An end of the piston rod is coupled to the first truss. The second linear motor has a second piston rod. An end of the second piston rod is coupled to the second truss. The multipoint winged link connects to the first linear motor, the second linear motor, the first boom segment, and the second boom segment.