Spray Boom Pivoting Strut for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field sprayer linkages with high working widths tend to oscillate due to uneven ground and wind, leading to vibrations that result in uneven application of substances, degrading spreading quality.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a pivoting strut that spans the joint and is lockable or supportable at the end of another section, automatically transitioning from a stowed to a stiffening position to minimize vibrations, combined with transverse legs that project parallel to the ground to stiffen the sections against vibrations, and a zigzag folding mechanism to maintain transport width.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the sections are made slender to minimize transport width, then the transport width is reduced, but the joint areas become unstable and vibrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting strut is automatically moved from its stowed position by the actuating element into the stiffening position when the two adjacent sections are unfolded, pre-stiffening the joint area before vibrations can occur, thus optimizing both transport width and joint stability
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting strut acts as an intermediary element that bridges the joint between two sections, providing additional support and stiffness to the joint area without requiring the sections themselves to be thicker or wider
2Ease of operation
If the pivoting strut is spring-loaded towards the stowed position, then automatic stowing is achieved, but the strut must be manually or actively pivoted into the stiffening position
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting strut is spring-loaded in the pivoting direction towards the stowed position, ensuring that the pivoting strut automatically assumes its stowed position as soon as the actuating element is no longer applied, reducing the need for active control systems
3Stability of the object's composition
If the transverse leg projects forward parallel to the ground, then the section is stiffened against vibrations, but the transport width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transverse leg projects forward approximately parallel to the ground relative to a high side of the section, stiffening the section against vibrations in a plane parallel to the ground along its entire length, while the zigzag folding mechanism allows the structure to collapse in the transverse direction for compact transport
4Area of stationary object
If the crossbars are arranged at different heights, then compact nesting is achieved for transport, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crossbars and/or upper surfaces of the sections are arranged at different heights relative to each other in such a way that, in the transport position of the boom, the crossbars overlap and nest inside one another, allowing compact folding while maintaining structural integrity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
In a linkage (G) of an agricultural implement (L) with several sections (4, 6, 8, 10) which are adjustable via joints (3, 5, 7, 9) between an unfolded working position (A) and a folded transport position (B) by means of actuating elements (19) arranged at the joints, a pivoting strut (T) which can pivot back and forth between a stiffening position (X) and a stow position (Y) is arranged at at least one joint (5) on a section (4), which in the working position (A) and the stiffening position (X) bridges the joint (5) at a distance in the working direction (R) and can be supported or locked on the other section (6), and the pivoting strut (T) can be pivoted at least into the stiffening position (X) by the actuating element (19).