Agricultural Sprayer Boom Height Control via Fore/Aft Tilt Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing width of boom assemblies in agricultural sprayers leads to higher maximum heights during folding and unfolding, which can result in contact with trees or other objects, causing damage to the boom assembly.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling the position of the boom assembly, which includes a center boom section adjustably coupled to the frame, wing boom sections pivotably coupled to each other, and an actuator to adjust the fore/aft tilt angle of the boom assembly. A sensor captures data on the position of the wing boom sections, and a computing system determines the angle or height of the boom tip relative to the field surface, controlling the actuator to adjust the tilt angle and maintain the boom assembly below a predetermined maximum height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the boom assembly width is increased to reduce the number of passes, then the spraying efficiency is improved, but the maximum height of the boom assembly during folding and unfolding increases, causing contact with trees or other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The boom assembly is equipped with actuators that dynamically adjust the fore/aft tilt angle of the boom during folding and unfolding operations. The computing system monitors the position of wing boom sections and controls the actuators to tilt the boom forward, reducing the maximum height of the boom assembly and preventing contact with trees or other objects while maintaining the increased width for efficient spraying.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of the boom assembly by adjusting the fore/aft tilt angle. During folding and unfolding, the computing system controls the actuators to tilt the boom forward, changing the vertical position of the boom sections. This parameter change reduces the maximum height of the boom assembly, allowing it to pass through narrow spaces without contacting trees or other objects while maintaining the widened configuration for improved spraying efficiency.
2Productivity
If the boom assembly width is increased to reduce the number of passes, then the spraying efficiency is improved, but the stress on the boom assembly joints during folding and unfolding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators dynamically adjust the boom assembly orientation during folding and unfolding operations. By tilting the boom forward and controlling the movement in real-time, the system reduces the mechanical stress on the joints. The computing system monitors the position of wing boom sections and adjusts the tilt angle to minimize forces on the joints, allowing the widened boom assembly to operate efficiently while protecting the joint structure from excessive stress.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the boom assembly is made foldable to reduce storage space, then the adaptability is improved, but the maximum height during folding and unfolding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boom assembly incorporates actuators that dynamically adjust the fore/aft tilt angle during folding and unfolding operations. The computing system monitors the position of wing boom sections and controls the actuators to tilt the boom forward, reducing the maximum height of the boom assembly. This dynamic adjustment allows the boom assembly to be made foldable for storage while preventing contact with trees or other objects during the folding and unfolding process.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural sprayer includes a boom assembly having first and second wing boom sections. Additionally, the sprayer includes an actuator configured to adjust a fore/aft tilt angle of the boom assembly, with the fore/aft tilt angle defined between a central axis of the boom assembly and a vertical direction. Moreover, the sprayer includes a sensor configured to capture data associated with a position of the second boom section relative to the first boom section. In this respect, a computing system is configured to determine an angle defined between the first and second boom sections or a height of a tip of the second boom section based on the data captured by the sensor. In addition, the computing system is configured to control an operation of the actuator to adjust the fore/aft tilt angle of the boom assembly based on the determined angle or the determined height.