Pendulum Suspension Device for Spray Boom Dampening and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling and aligning spray booms on agricultural vehicles are overly complex and lack a simple solution for dampening oscillations and ensuring horizontal positioning, particularly when folding or transporting the boom.
Innovation Solution
A pendulum suspension device with a fixed and mobile frame, connected by a pendulum suspension rod and actuation cylinder, utilizing hydraulic pendulum cylinders and control valves to regulate dampening and alignment, allowing for adjustable throttle control and independent hydraulic operation to manage the boom's movement and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex systems are used to control spray boom movement and alignment, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated pendulum suspension device. The device merges dampening oscillations, alignment correction, and boom positioning functions into one unified mechanism with shared hydraulic circuitry, eliminating the need for separate complex systems while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pendulum suspension device is designed as a multi-functional system that simultaneously performs dampening of boom oscillations, alignment correction when folding, and horizontal positioning during transport. The same hydraulic circuit and control mechanisms serve multiple purposes, reducing overall system complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If free movement around pendulum point is disabled for alignment, then positioning precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pendulum point constraint based on operational mode. During normal spraying, free movement is permitted for adaptability. During folding or transport, the system automatically engages alignment mechanisms that constrain movement only when needed, maintaining simplicity while achieving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system operates automatically based on the boom's position and operational state. Sensors detect when alignment is required (e.g., during folding), and the hydraulic system self-adjusts to disable free movement and engage alignment correction without requiring manual intervention, preserving ease of operation while ensuring precision.
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
This solution efficiently dampens oscillations, aligns the spray boom, and ensures correct folding and transport positioning, providing a simple and effective method for controlling the boom's movement and angle relative to the chassis.
Implementation Method 1
the pendulum cylinders are hydraulically connected by a hydraulic interconnection and is configured for dampening movement of the fixed frame in relation to the mobile frame via a throttle placed in the hydraulic interconnection
Implementation Method 2
at least one actuation cylinder in order to displace a center of gravity for the mobile frame including the spray boom relatively to the fixed frame
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a pendulum suspension device (1) of a spray boom (2), comprising: a fixed frame (3) intended to be borne by an agricultural machine, a mobile frame (4) intended to bear one or several spray booms (2), a pendulum suspension connecting rod (5) connected pivotably in an upper pivot point (7) to the fixed frame (3), said connecting rod (5) connected pivotally in a lower pivot point (8) to the mobile frame (4), and at least one actuation cylinder (6) in order to displace a center of gravity for the mobile frame (4) including the spray boom (2) relatively to said fixed frame (3), said actuation cylinder (6) is interposed between said mobile frame (4) and said connecting rod (5), the pendulum suspension device (1) further comprising a pair of pendulum cylinders (9, 10) placed on each side of the connecting rod (5), and connected between the fixed frame (3) and the mobile frame (4), where the pendulum cylinders (9, 10) is hydraulically connected by a hydraulic interconnection (19) and is configured for dampening movement of the fixed frame (3) in relation to the mobile frame (4) via a throttle (15) placed in the hydraulic interconnection (19). The disclosure further relates to a method of aligning or correcting a pendulum suspension device (1) of a spray boom (2).