Agricultural Spreading Boom Height Control via Predictive Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural distribution machines face challenges in accurately and quickly adjusting the position of their distribution linkage to changing height distances and contour changes in the target area due to long system response times, leading to inadequate adaptation and potential misalignment during material application.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor device that proactively detects changing height distances and contour changes ahead of the distribution linkage, combined with a control device that generates control signals to adjust the position of the linkage before reaching the changed height, utilizing both short-range and long-range sensors to compensate for reaction time delays and ensure precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultrasonic sensors are used to detect height distances for boom position control, then the actual distance can be determined, but the system reaction time is too long to react quickly to changing height differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a long-range sensor to detect height distance changes in advance, before the distribution boom reaches the affected area. This allows the control system to initiate position adjustments before the actual problem occurs, thereby compensating for the long reaction time of the hydraulic system and the boom's inertia.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the detection function into two parts: a long-range sensor for predictive detection of upcoming height changes, and a short-range sensor for verifying actual height distances. This segmentation allows the system to act in advance while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Productivity
If the distribution boom travels at high speed to maintain productivity, then more area can be treated per unit time, but the long reaction time causes insufficient adjustment to changing height differences
Solution Approach 1:
By detecting height changes in advance using the long-range sensor, the system can initiate adjustments before the boom reaches the problematic area. This allows the system to maintain high travel speeds while still achieving reliable position adjustments, as the adjustment time is accounted for in the predictive detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from both the long-range sensor (predictive) and short-range sensor (verificational) to continuously monitor and adjust the boom position. This feedback mechanism ensures that even at high speeds, the boom maintains accurate positioning relative to the target surface.
3Speed
If the boom's inertia is reduced to speed up response, then adjustment speed increases, but the structural complexity and weight of the distribution system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent avoids the need to reduce boom inertia by using predictive detection. The long-range sensor detects height changes in advance, allowing the control system to prepare adjustments before they are needed. This approach maintains the existing robust boom structure while achieving fast effective response through timing rather than reducing physical inertia.
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
This solution enables faster and more accurate adaptation of the distribution linkage to changing height distances, reducing the likelihood of misalignment and ensuring consistent material application across the target area, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of agricultural distribution processes.
Implementation Method 1
it is also known from the prior art to provide ultrasonic sensors on the distribution boom oriented towards the crop stand
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural spreading machine, preferably a field sprayer or a pneumatic fertilizer spreader, with a spreading boom for applying material such as fertilizer, pesticides, or seeds, comprising two lateral arms, each of which has a plurality of application elements for applying the material. The invention further relates to a method for controlling the position of such a spreading boom. The spreading machine (1) also includes a controllable positioning device for changing the position of the spreading boom (2) relative to an agricultural target area (Z) to be treated.The distribution machine (1) further comprises a sensor device (10) configured to detect changing height distances (h) of the distribution boom (2) to the target surface (Z) and/or anticipated contour changes of the target surface, and preferably to detect the height distance (h) of the distribution boom to the target surface (Z) at different measuring points (M1, M2) spaced apart from each other in the direction of travel (V). The distribution machine (1) further comprises a control device (20) configured to generate control signals (31) for the actuating device (30) for position control, preferably height control, of the distribution boom (2), depending on the predictively detected, changing height distances (h), preferably to at least partially compensate for a reaction time in position control.