Agricultural Sprayer Boom With Pivotable Drip Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural sprayer booms face challenges in preventing pesticide leakage and structural integrity issues, particularly with longer boom lengths, leading to unintended pesticide application and increased risk of structural failure due to stress on hinges and joints.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a pivotable drip tray attached to the boom to collect fluid leakage and an extruded frame member for improved structural strength, allowing for longer boom configurations while reducing weight and production costs, along with modular design for various lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the boom length is increased to meet economies of scale demands, then the operating width and productivity are improved, but the structural integrity deteriorates due to increased stress on hinges and joints
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple sections that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each section has standardized connection points that allow for modular assembly, enabling longer boom configurations while maintaining structural integrity through standardized joint design.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom employs composite construction combining tubular members with cross-bracing elements to create a truss-like structure. This composite approach provides high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing longer boom lengths without proportionally increasing weight or compromising structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional truss-style construction is used for longer booms, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the structural strength deteriorates due to increased vibration stress
Solution Approach 1:
The boom design incorporates flexible joints and damping elements that allow controlled movement and absorption of vibration energy. The truss structure includes strategically placed cross-braces that dynamically respond to vibration loads, dissipating energy while maintaining overall structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The design optimizes the geometric parameters of the truss structure, including member dimensions, joint configurations, and spacing, to maximize strength-to-weight ratio. By carefully selecting these parameters, the boom achieves enhanced vibration resistance without significant cost increases.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a drip tray is added to prevent pesticide leakage, then the environmental harm is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray is designed to serve multiple functions: it collects leaked pesticide, channels it away from the ground, and can be integrated with the boom's existing structural elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drip tray is nested within or integrated with the boom structure, utilizing existing space and structural elements. By nesting the drip tray within the boom framework rather than adding it as a separate external component, the design minimizes additional complexity while achieving the pesticide containment function.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the drip tray is positioned to collect leakage, then the pesticide spillage is prevented, but the spray delivery path is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The drip tray is positioned and shaped to specifically target and collect leaked pesticide at localized points where contamination occurs, rather than obstructing the entire spray delivery path. The tray's geometry is optimized to intercept drips while maintaining open passages for effective spray delivery to the crop.
Data Source
AI summary
A boom for mounting to an agricultural sprayer comprises an elongate frame supporting a plurality of liquid application devices, liquid delivery means connected to the application devices, and an elongate tray attached to, and extending along, the boom. The tray is movable between a first position in which the tray extends substantially horizontally beneath one or more of the application devices to prevent material from leaking onto the ground below, and a second position in which the tray is located clear of delivery paths of the liquid application devices.