Agricultural Sprayer Boom Speed Control via Operator Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural sprayers lack the ability to control the movement speed of their boom assemblies dynamically, relying on fixed speeds that do not accommodate operator preferences or environmental conditions, such as obstacles and inclement weather.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an operator input device that allows for adjustable speed control of the boom assembly's movement via a computing system, enabling the actuator to change speeds based on the operator's input, allowing for slower speeds near obstacles and faster speeds when safe, thereby improving operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed speed control is used for boom assembly movement, then device complexity is reduced, but operational flexibility and safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed speed control to variable speed control of the boom assembly. The operator input device allows continuous adjustment of boom movement speed, enabling the system to adapt to different operational conditions such as obstacles and weather, thereby improving operational flexibility without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter of the boom assembly from a fixed value to a variable parameter controlled by operator input. This allows the boom movement speed to be adjusted dynamically based on environmental conditions and operational needs, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
2Ease of operation
If operator input device for speed control is added, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operator input device enables the operator to directly control the boom assembly speed according to their needs and environmental conditions. The system serves itself by allowing the operator to make real-time adjustments without requiring complex automated sensing or control systems, thus improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural sprayer includes a frame and a boom assembly supported on the frame, with the boom assembly extending in a lateral direction between a first end and a second end. Furthermore, the agricultural sprayer includes a plurality of nozzles supported on the boom assembly and spaced apart from each other along the lateral direction, with the plurality of nozzles configured to dispense an agricultural fluid onto underlying plants or soil. Additionally, the agricultural sprayer includes an actuator configured move at least a portion of the boom assembly relative to the frame. Moreover, the agricultural sprayer includes an operator input device moveable along a range of motion such that a position of the operator input device along the range of motion is indicative of a selected speed at which the actuator is to move the at least the portion of the boom assembly relative to the frame.