Agricultural Sprayer Boom Aligned Mast Center Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural sprayer booms with center sections positioned behind the mast experience significant torque, leading to increased structural weight and the need for larger, more powerful vehicles, which elevate acquisition and operating costs and result in soil compaction.
Innovation Solution
The design aligns the mast and center section frames along the direction of travel, reducing torque and allowing for lighter structural members, thereby decreasing the overall weight of the boom assembly and enabling the use of smaller vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the center section is positioned behind the mast, then the boom can be supported structurally, but the torque applied to the mast and linkage assembly increases, requiring stronger and heavier structural members
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the center section from a rearward location (behind the mast) to a forward location (in front of the mast), changing the spatial arrangement along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional repositioning fundamentally alters the torque distribution, allowing the use of lighter structural members while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If stronger structural members are used to resist torque, then the mast and linkage assembly can handle the load, but the weight of the boom assembly increases, requiring larger vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the center section to a position in front of the mast rather than behind it, the patent changes the load distribution geometry. This repositioning reduces the moment arm and overall torque on the mast and linkage assembly, thereby reducing the vehicle's power and weight requirements.
3Power
If larger vehicles are employed to accommodate increased load, then the boom assembly can be transported, but acquisition and operating costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent's repositioning of the center section to a forward location reduces the overall load requirements for the vehicle. This dimensional change in boom configuration allows the use of smaller, less powerful vehicles, thereby reducing both acquisition and operating costs associated with crop production.
4Strength
If the center section is positioned behind the mast, then structural support is achieved, but soil compaction increases due to increased vehicle load
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the center section to a forward location in front of the mast, the patent reduces the weight and power requirements of the vehicle. This dimensional change in configuration leads to reduced soil compaction, as smaller vehicles exert less pressure on the soil during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural sprayer boom assembly is provided that includes a center section having a first frame configured to support left and right wing sections of the agricultural sprayer boom assembly. The agricultural sprayer boom assembly also includes a mast having a second frame coupled to the first frame, and configured to support the first frame during operation and transport. The first and second frames are aligned with one another along a direction of travel.