UTV Spray Boom Control for Stable Right-of-Way Vegetation Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility vehicles (UTVs) with sprayers for managing vegetation along a right-of-way face stability issues due to altered center of balance and limited adjustability, making them impractical for varying vegetation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A spray apparatus that attaches to a UTV, featuring adjustable nozzles, supports, and a controller that adjusts spray patterns and flow rates based on vegetation density and UTV speed to maintain stability and effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pull-behind sprayers or hangover-bed boom sprayers are used on UTVs, then vegetation management capability is improved, but vehicle stability deteriorates due to altered center of balance
Solution Approach 1:
The spray apparatus is designed with adjustable components including telescopic booms that can extend and retract, and spray bars that can be positioned at different heights and angles. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to various vegetation conditions while maintaining a compact configuration that minimizes impact on UTV stability when not in use or during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray apparatus serves as an intermediary between the UTV and the vegetation, mounting to the vehicle bed without permanently altering the UTV's center of balance. The modular design allows for flexible positioning and configuration, enabling effective vegetation management while preserving vehicle stability through proper mounting and balanced weight distribution.
2Device complexity
If fixed sprayer configurations are used on UTVs, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying vegetation conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable booms and spray bars that can be manually or automatically repositioned to match different vegetation heights and densities. The spray pattern and flow rate can be modified through adjustable nozzles and flow control valves, allowing the same apparatus to handle diverse vegetation conditions without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The spray apparatus allows for changes in operational parameters including spray pressure, flow rate, nozzle orientation, and boom extension length. These parameter adjustments enable the system to adapt to varying vegetation conditions while using a single multi-functional device rather than multiple fixed-configuration sprayers.
3Productivity
If larger sprayer components are added to UTVs, then vegetation management effectiveness is improved, but vehicle stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spray system is divided into modular segments including separate booms, spray bars, and nozzle assemblies that can be independently adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows for effective vegetation coverage through extended reach while maintaining the ability to compact the system and remove components that would otherwise compromise UTV stability.
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
Ensures stable UTV operation and effective vegetation management by maintaining balance and adjusting to varying vegetation conditions without flipping or falling over.
Implementation Method 1
a pump positioned in the bed and to deliver treatment fluid from the tank through hoses to the nozzles
Implementation Method 2
the nozzles to cause the spray apparatus to spray the herbicide in one or more spray patterns
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controlling vegetation growth along a right-of-way via a vehicle. In an embodiment, a method may include determining a portion of a right-of-way to traverse. The method may include determining a flow rate per vehicle speed threshold. The method may include initiating operation of the vehicle. The method may include during operation of the vehicle and as the vehicle traverses the portion of the right of way, determining a current speed of the vehicle and a current flow rate for an operating nozzle. The method may include, if the current speed of the vehicle and the current flow rate for the operating nozzle exceeds the flow rate per vehicle speed threshold, adjusting one or more of (a) the flow rate of the operating nozzle or (b) the current speed of the vehicle.