Segmented Boom Linkage for Compact Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implement linkages are limited in their compactness during transport due to legal dimensions for road traffic and negatively impact the center of gravity, making it difficult to increase working width or incorporate more electronic components.
Innovation Solution
The linkage is designed with multiple storage areas for boom sections, where sections are placed in front of and behind the central linkage part, allowing for a more compact configuration in the transport position, with sections aligned parallel to the travel direction and adjustable joints to minimize space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage is designed with increased working width and more sections to accommodate electronic components, then the functionality and working capacity are improved, but the dimensions in transport position increase and exceed legal road traffic limits
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is divided into multiple sections that can be independently positioned in different stowage areas. Each section can be folded and stored separately in front or rear stowage areas, allowing the overall transport dimensions to be controlled while maintaining the capability for large working widths when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension (front and rear of the implement) for stowage in addition to the transverse dimension. By providing stowage areas both in front of and behind the central linkage part, the design transforms the transport configuration from a purely lateral fold to a multi-dimensional arrangement that reduces the effective transport width while accommodating larger linkages
2Productivity
If the linkage sections are enlarged and more sections are added to increase working width, then the spreading capacity is improved, but the center of gravity is negatively affected and space requirements in transport position increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is segmented into multiple sections that can be distributed across different stowage areas. This segmentation allows the mass to be distributed more evenly along the implement rather than concentrated in one location, helping to maintain a balanced center of gravity while still providing the capability for large working widths
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing both front and rear stowage areas along the longitudinal axis, the patent distributes the linkage mass in the longitudinal dimension rather than concentrating it laterally. This dimensional redistribution helps maintain better balance and center of gravity characteristics while accommodating larger linkage sections for increased productivity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage is designed with larger dimensions and more sections, then the working width and functionality are improved, but the space required in transport position increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage is divided into multiple sections that can be stored in separate stowage areas. This segmentation enables the compact arrangement of larger linkage sections by distributing them along the longitudinal axis of the implement, reducing the transverse space required during transport while maintaining the capability for large working widths when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional lateral fold arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration utilizing both front and rear stowage areas. This dimensional change allows larger linkage sections to be accommodated in a more compact transport configuration by utilizing the longitudinal space along the implement
Data Source
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AI summary
Agricultural implement (10) with a boom (200), in particular a field sprayer with a distributor boom, which has two extensions (20) arranged on both sides of a central boom section, each of which is divided into several sections (22A-22D) which are adjustable by means of joints (23A-23D) between a working position unfolded transversely to a working direction (F) and a transport position folded at least partially approximately in the working direction (F), preferably horizontally and/or in a zigzag shape.In order to design an agricultural implement (10) in such a way that the boom (200) is stowed in a particularly compact manner in the transport position, it is provided that several stowage areas (B1, B2) are provided for each of the two booms (20), in which different sections (22A-22D) are placed next to each other in the transport position, wherein, viewed in a direction leading to the working direction (F), a first stowage area (B1) is arranged in front of the middle boom section (21) and a second stowage area (B2) is arranged behind the middle boom section (21).