Sprayer Boom Section Height Control via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sprayer control systems fail to effectively manage boom height control and spray drift due to changes in terrain and obstacles, leading to reduced productivity and inefficient chemical application.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sprayer boom assembly with independently controllable boom sections and actuators, allowing for precise adjustment of spray pipe and nozzle positions, combined with tilt control, to maintain target spray height and minimize drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the entire boom is raised or tilted to avoid obstacles, then the sprayer can navigate terrain changes, but spray coverage is reduced and chemical drift increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple independently controllable sections, each equipped with its own actuator. This allows individual sections to be adjusted independently rather than moving the entire boom, enabling the sprayer to maintain spray coverage in some areas while navigating obstacles in others.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts boom section positions in real-time based on terrain conditions and obstacle detection. Sensors continuously monitor the environment and the control system responds by moving specific boom sections to optimal positions, maintaining both terrain adaptability and spray coverage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire boom is raised to avoid obstacles, then the sprayer can clear terrain changes, but spray drift increases due to wind exposure
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the boom into independently controllable sections, only the necessary sections are raised to clear obstacles while other sections remain at optimal spray height. This minimizes the surface area exposed to wind, thereby reducing spray drift.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the boom are positioned at different heights based on local terrain conditions and obstacle locations. This localized adjustment ensures that only areas requiring obstacle clearance are raised, while other areas maintain low boom positions to minimize drift.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional control algorithms add error in spray heights to accommodate terrain, then the sprayer can handle terrain variations, but productivity is reduced due to incomplete crop coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static spray height settings to dynamic, real-time adjustment of each boom section's height. Sensors detect terrain variations and the control system continuously adjusts boom positions to maintain optimal spray coverage, eliminating the need to accept height errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to continuously monitor boom position, terrain conditions, and spray coverage. This feedback is processed by the control system which makes real-time adjustments to boom section positions, ensuring both terrain accommodation and complete crop coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A spray boom of a spray boom assembly includes a boom frame and a spray section coupled to the boom frame. The spray section includes an elongated spray pipe configured to be fluidly coupled to a fluid source and a nozzle coupled to the spray pipe. An actuator is coupled at one end to the boom frame and at an opposite end to the spray section. The actuator controllably extends and retracts to move the spray pipe and nozzle between a raised position and a lowered position.