Sprayer Boom Steering Compensation for Precise Path Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machines face challenges in maintaining the quality of agricultural product application due to factors affecting the deflection of the boom assembly, necessitating improved monitoring and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a steering system, actuators, and a computing system to alter the steering direction and position of boom sections based on defined target paths and compensation angles, ensuring precise alignment of the boom assembly with the intended direction of travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the boom assembly is kept simple without active control systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and application quality deteriorate due to boom deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to detect the actual position of boom sections and compares them with target positions. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts boom section positions to compensate for deflection, thereby maintaining application quality without requiring overly complex mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution allows for more precise control of boom positioning while reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance requirements
2Manufacturing precision
If advanced control systems are implemented to maintain application quality, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom assembly is divided into multiple independently controllable sections. Each section can be positioned and adjusted separately, allowing the control system to manage complexity by handling individual segments rather than the entire boom as a single unit
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts boom section positions in real-time based on detected deflection and desired path. The control system continuously monitors and modifies actuator commands to maintain optimal boom positioning throughout operation, adapting to changing conditions without requiring a static complex mechanical design
3Productivity
If the boom assembly position is not adjusted for steering compensation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and application consistency worsen due to path deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system pre-calculates the required boom position adjustments based on the desired travel path and steering angle. By determining compensation angles in advance and applying them before deviations occur, the system maintains application consistency without requiring complex real-time mechanical adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the steering system and boom actuators. It receives steering input, calculates the necessary boom position corrections, and translates these into actuator commands, thereby decoupling the steering and boom control functions and reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system for an agricultural machine may include a steering system configured to alter a steering direction of a chassis. A guidance system may be operably coupled with the steering system and configured to alter a steering direction of the machine based on a defined target path for the agricultural machine. A boom assembly may be operably coupled with the chassis. One or more actuators may be operably coupled with the boom assembly and configured to alter a first boom section relative to a second boom section. A computing system may be communicatively coupled to the steering system. The computing system may be configured to receive the defined target path from the guidance system, determine a projected path about the defined target path, generate a steering command based on the projected path, and generate a boom command based at least in part on the steering command and the projected path.