Sprayer Boom Adaptive Folding Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distributor linkages exert large forces during folding and unfolding, particularly at the end of the process, due to uniform speed across the entire operation, which can lead to stress on the linkage sections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing motorized actuating elements with sensor elements like potentiometers to control the folding speed, allowing for an acceleration phase at the beginning and a deceleration phase at the end, and compensating for temperature influences using temperature sensors, enabling the linkage sections to fold and unfold quickly and gently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If uniform speed is used throughout the folding process, then the folding operation is simple to control, but large forces are exerted on the linkage sections particularly at the end of folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from uniform speed control to variable speed control throughout the folding process. The control device adjusts the actuating speed of motorized actuating elements based on the position of linkage sections, creating an acceleration phase at the beginning and a deceleration phase at the end. This dynamic speed adjustment reduces forces exerted on linkage sections while maintaining controllable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter during the folding process rather than maintaining a constant value. The control device modifies the actuating speed parameter as a function of linkage section position, implementing variable speed control that optimizes forces while preserving operational simplicity through automated parameter adjustment.
2Productivity
If the folding speed is increased to complete the process quickly, then productivity is improved, but the folding process may cause damage to linkage sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the folding process into distinct phases: an acceleration phase at the beginning where speed increases to improve productivity, and a deceleration phase at the end where speed decreases to prevent damage. This periodic variation in actuating speed allows the system to achieve both high productivity and reliability by matching speed to the operational phase.
3Device complexity
If sensor elements are integrated into motorized actuating elements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor elements with the motorized actuating elements into an integrated unit. This combination reduces device complexity by eliminating separate mounting structures and simplifying the overall system architecture. The integration maintains measurement precision through direct coupling between the sensor and actuator, ensuring accurate position detection while reducing the number of discrete components.
Data Source
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AI summary
Distributor boom (3) of an agricultural implement (1) with several boom sections (7, 7', 8, 8', 9, 9') which are articulated to one another and can each be moved into a first and a second folding position by means of motorized actuators (10), wherein sensor elements (12) are arranged in the area of the joints for detecting the position of the boom sections (8, 8', 9, 9') that can be folded relative to each other, wherein the sensor elements (12) generate position signals and deliver them to a control device (14), which actuates the motorized actuators (10) depending on the position signals delivered. In order to enable quick yet gentle folding and unfolding of the individual boom sections of a distributor boom, it is provided that the sensor elements (12) detect several position signals between the respective end position signals and transmit them to the control device (14).