Sprayer Boom Distance Sensing for Power Line Safe Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural sprayer systems face difficulties in detecting and avoiding overhead electrical power cables during the folding and unfolding of sprayer booms, which can lead to hazardous situations due to the complexity of operations and environmental conditions, making it challenging for operators to maintain a safe distance.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a sprayer boom assembly with identification systems transmitting and receiving radio signals to calculate actual distance values, which are compared to predetermined reference distance values, using sensors and a sprayer boom controller to control the folding and unfolding process, and integrating Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) data for precise positioning and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sprayer boom is folded or unfolded to enable compact transportation and field operation, then the adaptability and versatility of the sprayer is improved, but the risk of contact with overhead power cables increases due to reduced operator visibility and control difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of overhead power cables using sensors (laser scanners, cameras, or radio frequency detectors) before the boom folding/unfolding operation begins. The control unit receives advance warning of cable locations and pre-calculates safe folding paths, allowing the operator to take preventive action before entering the hazardous zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the boom position during folding/unfolding operations using position sensors and compares it with real-time cable location data from the detection sensors. The control unit provides continuous feedback to the operator through visual or audible alarms, and can automatically inhibit further folding movements when the boom approaches unsafe distances from detected cables.
2Ease of operation
If the operator remains in the cab to control the sprayer, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the operator cannot see overhead power cables and maintain safe distance during boom operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces detection sensors (laser scanners, cameras, or RF detectors) as intermediaries that sense overhead power cables on behalf of the operator. These sensors mounted on the sprayer body continuously scan the environment above and around the boom, detecting cable locations and transmitting this information to the control unit and operator interface in the cab.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the operator's natural visual detection capability with electronic sensing systems. Instead of relying on the operator to physically see cables from the cab, the system uses laser scanners, cameras, or radio frequency detectors to electronically sense and identify cable positions, converting this information into visual displays or automated control signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sprayer operates in complex terrain with environmental variations, then the adaptability to field conditions is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and avoiding power cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a multi-functional detection approach using multiple sensor types (laser scanners for geometric detection, cameras for visual recognition, and radio frequency detectors for electromagnetic field sensing). This universal detection capability allows the system to identify power cables under various environmental conditions including dust, varying light levels, and different weather conditions that may affect individual sensor types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively prevents the sprayer boom from folding or unfolding too close to power cables by stopping the operation when actual distance values exceed or fall below tolerance values, ensuring safe operation and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
A first identification system mounted on the agricultural machine at a determinable position transmits a predefined frequency radio signal
Implementation Method 2
A second identification system mounted on the right boom and a third identification system mounted on the left boom receive the radio signal transmitted from the first identification system
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural machine includes a chassis, a center frame mounted for vertical movement, and laterally extendable right and left foldable booms. A sprayer boom controller includes positioning data. A first identification system transmits a predefined frequency radio signal at a first point in time. A second identification system on the right boom and a third identification system on the left boom receive the radio signal. An identification system calculates actual distances between the first and second identification systems and the first and third identification systems based on the wavelength of the radio signal and the differences of the first and second points in time and the first and third points in time. Information regarding the actual distances is transmitted to the sprayer boom controller which compares the calculated distances with the predetermined positioning data and stops folding and/or unfolding in response to determining they exceed or underrun a tolerance value.