Sprayer Suspension Retrofit for Adjustable Ground Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Farm equipment, such as sprayers, often lacks configurable ground clearance, necessitating separate machinery for different crops, leading to increased costs for farmers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves replacing the original spindles and air spring absorbers in the suspension system with longer components that allow for adjustable ground clearance, along with longer adjustable linkage arms to connect air height control valves, enabling users to customize the sprayer's height for various crops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ground clearance of sprayers is fixed, then the sprayer structure is simple and reliable, but the sprayer cannot be used for different crops with different heights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed ground clearance design with an adjustable suspension system. The air spring mechanism allows the ground clearance to be dynamically changed according to different crop heights, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can adapt to varying operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the suspension system components - specifically replacing fixed-length spindles with adjustable-length spindles and incorporating air spring mechanisms. These parameter changes enable the ground clearance to be varied, allowing the same sprayer to serve multiple crop types with different height requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If farmers purchase different sprayers for different crops, then each crop can be serviced optimally, but the equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a sprayer with an adjustable suspension system that can accommodate different crop heights. This single machine can now perform multiple functions - servicing various crop types that previously would have required different specialized sprayers, thereby reducing the total number of machines farmers need to purchase and maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
By incorporating dynamic adjustment capabilities through the air spring and adjustable spindle system, the sprayer transforms from a single-purpose machine to a multi-functional device. The ability to dynamically adjust ground clearance allows one sprayer to replace what would traditionally require multiple fixed-clearance machines.
3Length of moving object
If longer spindles and air spring mechanisms are installed, then ground clearance becomes adjustable, but the suspension system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatics by introducing an air spring mechanism into the suspension system. The air spring uses compressed air to provide the necessary suspension force, replacing traditional mechanical spring systems. This pneumatic approach allows for easier adjustment of ground clearance and reduces the mechanical complexity compared to purely mechanical suspension systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of adjustable spindles and air spring mechanisms creates a dynamic suspension system where ground clearance can be modified. While this increases component count, the modular nature of the adjustment mechanisms allows for relatively simple implementation and maintenance compared to redesigning the entire suspension system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods relating to the replacement of specific parts in farm equipment to thereby adjust the farm equipment's capabilities. To modify the ground clearance of farm equipment, especially sprayers with a strut type suspension, the spindles of the suspension system along with the air spring absorber are replaced. The original spindles are replaced with longer spindles while the air spring absorber is replaced with one that allows for an increased range of travel. As well, the fixed linkage arms that connect the air height control valves to the suspension system are also replaced with longer arms. These longer linkage arms may be of a fixed length or they may be of an adjustable length.