Spray Boom Suspension Lock Assembly for Balanced Transport Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boom assembly suspension arrangements on agricultural vehicles face challenges in maintaining balance during folding for transport, leading to unbalanced and unstable positions due to uneven ground and differential folding of booms, which affects proper locking and alignment for transport.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly is introduced that includes a lock pin and bracket assembly, allowing the boom assembly to swing independently and ensuring balanced folding by restraining rotation with respect to the lift linkage, using V-shaped slots to guide the lock pin into a seated position, thereby maintaining balance and stability during the transition from operative to inoperative positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the boom assembly is allowed to swing independently on a roll-suspension arrangement, then the boom can maintain independent movement and reduce stresses on the support framework, but the boom may become unbalanced and roll to one side during folding for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is activated before the boom folding operation to prevent unbalanced rolling. The lock pin is positioned to engage with the bracket assembly, creating a preliminary constraint that ensures the boom remains balanced throughout the folding process and prevents instability during transport.
2Reliability
If the boom assembly is locked in position, then the boom remains stable and balanced during transport, but the lock assembly adds complexity to the suspension arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The lock pin is designed to be self-aligning through the V-shaped slots in the bracket assembly. As the boom swings into the folded position, the lock pin automatically engages with the brackets without requiring external actuation or complex control mechanisms, ensuring reliable locking while minimizing assembly complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the boom folds manually or via hydraulic/pneumatic system, then the boom can be positioned for transport, but differential folding of left and right booms causes unbalanced positions
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the boom folding operation and the final positioned state. The lock pin mediates the folding process by providing continuous constraint on the boom's rotation, ensuring both booms fold symmetrically and maintaining balance throughout the operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If the boom assembly is not locked, then the structure remains simple and easy to operate, but the boom cannot be securely restrained for transport
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly is segmented into discrete components: the lock pin, the bracket assembly with V-shaped slots, and the engagement interface. This segmentation allows for simple manufacturing of each component while achieving reliable overall function. The modular design enables easy production and maintenance without compromising positioning reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for locking a suspension arrangement operatively connected between a boom assembly and a carrying frame that are supported on a boom support implement or vehicle is provided. The implement or vehicle also includes a lift linkage operable to move the carrying frame and connected boom assembly between a lowered, operative position and a raised, inoperative position. The lock assembly includes a lock pin and a bracket assembly. The lock pin is mounted at the lift linkage. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is mounted at the boom assembly and the second bracket is mounted at the carrying frame. In the raised, inoperative position of the boom assembly, the first and second brackets are configured to receive the lock pin in a locked position to restrain the boom assembly from swinging or rotating with respect to the lift linkage.