Segmented Spray Boom with Active Joint Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spray booms struggle to maintain a consistent distance from the ground, leading to uneven distribution of spray agents due to varying ground contours and limited flexibility, especially in wide sprayer booms with large working widths.
Innovation Solution
A spray boom design featuring segments connected by joints, allowing for active control and adjustment to different ground contours without direct contact, utilizing hydraulic actuators and sensors for precise positioning, and a central part that can move vertically and pivot horizontally, combined with adjustable nozzles for improved distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the boom is made longer to increase working width, then productivity increases, but the ability to adapt to ground contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple segments that can independently pivot relative to each other about horizontal axes. This segmentation allows each segment to adapt to local ground variations while maintaining the overall long span needed for high productivity. The joints between segments enable independent movement, resolving the contradiction between length and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom structure transitions from a rigid fixed configuration to a dynamic articulated structure. The segments can actively change their relative positions through pivoting joints, allowing the boom to dynamically adapt its shape to match irregular ground surfaces while maintaining its extended working width for high productivity.
2Reliability
If elastic elements are used to maintain nozzle vertical position, then reliability improves, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using elastic elements on a single rigid boom, the system segments the boom into multiple independently controllable sections. Each segment can pivot to maintain nozzle vertical alignment over varying terrain, providing both the reliability of consistent nozzle positioning and the flexibility to adapt to different ground conditions through coordinated segment movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces passive elastic elements with active dynamic control of segmented booms. Hydraulic or pneumatic actuators at the joints enable active adjustment of segment angles to maintain optimal nozzle-to-ground distance and vertical alignment, providing both reliability and adaptability through controlled movement rather than passive elasticity.
3Strength
If the boom is rigid to maintain structural strength, then strength improves, but the ability to track ground relief deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid boom is divided into multiple segments connected by joints. Each segment maintains sufficient structural strength individually, while the joints between segments provide the flexibility needed to track ground relief. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high strength and ground-following capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure transitions from a static rigid boom to a dynamic articulated system. The joints incorporate actuators that actively adjust segment angles to follow ground contours, while the segments themselves maintain rigid structural integrity. This dynamic adjustment enables ground relief tracking without compromising the structural strength needed to support the spray system.
Data Source
AI summary
The boom (1) has a controllable adjusting device that is attached to joints between outer segments (15, 21) and inner segments (17, 19). Sensors (23, 25, 27, 29) and/or angle indicator are attached to the segments for detecting and transferring actual values with respect to relative position. A data processing device (39) is provided with the sensors and/or coupled with the angle indicator. The data processing device provides signals to control elements (3, 5, 7, 9) for adjusting the segments always in relation to the remaining segments. The sensors are formed as ultrasonic sensors. An independent claim is also included for a method for changing relative position of segments of an arm of a spray boom.