Agricultural Spreader Boom Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural distribution machines with large working widths struggle to precisely process corners, curves, and edge structures of fields without damaging plants or causing double treatments, due to limitations in adjusting the distribution device's orientation and movement.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural distribution machine with a distribution device that can be adjusted and controlled using motorized actuators and sensors to maintain a largely parallel or perpendicular orientation to the field's edge structure, aided by edge detection systems like gyroscopes and cameras, allowing for precise treatment of field edges and corners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the distribution device is kept fixed in orientation relative to the direction of travel, then the machine structure is simple and easy to control, but the machine cannot precisely treat corners, curves, and edge structures without damaging plants or causing double treatments
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device is made dynamically adjustable through motorized actuators that enable real-time orientation changes. The system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic one where the distribution device can pivot and adjust its angle relative to the direction of travel, allowing precise adaptation to field edges, corners, and curves while maintaining uniform substance application.
Solution Approach 2:
Edge detection sensors and cameras provide real-time feedback about the machine's position relative to field boundaries. This feedback is processed by a control unit that automatically adjusts the distribution device's orientation and the vehicle's driving path, creating a closed-loop control system that achieves precise edge treatment without manual intervention.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distribution device is adjusted to follow field edge structures, then precise treatment of corners and curves is achieved, but the control system becomes more complex requiring sensors, actuators, and edge detection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning and self-adjustment using onboard sensors and automated control. The distribution device automatically orients itself to maintain optimal angles relative to field edges, and the vehicle autonomously adjusts its driving path to follow detected boundary structures, eliminating the need for continuous manual control while ensuring uniform substance application.
Solution Approach 2:
Edge detection sensors and cameras continuously scan and detect field boundaries in advance of the distribution device's application area. This preliminary detection allows the control system to pre-calculate and prepare the optimal orientation and positioning adjustments, ensuring smooth and precise treatment of upcoming corners and curves before the machine reaches them.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If safety zones are defined along roadsides to prevent machine travel, then crop damage is avoided, but the desired uniform application across the entire agricultural area is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution device dynamically adjusts its operational width and orientation based on real-time detection of field boundaries and safety zones. When approaching roadsides or sensitive areas, the system automatically reduces the active distribution width or pivots the distribution device to maintain a safe distance, ensuring crop protection while maximizing treatment coverage of the remaining agricultural area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different operational parameters to different zones within the field. In areas far from safety zones, the distribution device operates at full width for maximum productivity. Near detected safety zones or field edges, the system locally adjusts the distribution pattern, reducing width or modifying application rates to prevent crop damage while maintaining overall treatment uniformity across the entire agricultural area.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and uniform application of substances across the entire field, reducing damage to plants and minimizing double treatments, while allowing the machine to autonomously adjust its distribution device and movement based on detected edge structures.
Implementation Method 1
a gyroscope and a control program stored in a control unit for determining a respective edge structure
Implementation Method 2
means for detecting these vibrations are provided. These means can, in particular, be a camera system
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural spreading machine (10) comprising a frame (18), a storage container (24), and a spreading device (30) for dispensing liquids and/or granular or granular materials is disclosed. The spreading device (30) is movably mounted on the frame (18) and is divided into several boom segments (32) which are pivotable relative to each other and/or to the frame (18) via upright axes (36). A motorized actuator (40), controllable by an electronic control device (42), is provided for pivoting. Sensors (60) for detecting and transmitting an actual value regarding the orientation of the boom segments (32) and/or the upright axes (36) and/or the actuator (40) are assigned to the boom segments (32) and/or the upright axes (36) and/or the actuator (40).To detect an edge structure (50) of an area to be treated and/or driven over by the agricultural spreading machine (10), contour detection devices (58) are provided, assigned to the spreading machine (10) and/or connected to the control device (42), wherein the control of at least one actuator (40) is carried out depending on a detected orientation and an existing edge structure (50). The invention also relates to a method for controlling such an agricultural spreading machine (10).