Reconfigurability Evaluation of Multifunctional Intelligent Boom Sprayer Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation

Abstract

Multifunctional intelligent boom sprayer is a development direction of boom sprayers, and it could satisfy needs of precision and variable spraying and achieve aims of sustainable development of pesticide spraying, ecological protection, and efficient plant protection by reconfiguring its structures. Therefore, the evaluation of multifunctional intelligent boom sprayer reconfigurability has a role in improving product reconfigurability while reducing product function redundancy and production costs and reducing product function redundancy and production cost. In order to comprehensively evaluate the reconfigurability of a multifunctional intelligent boom sprayer, this paper established an evaluation index system and realized the evaluation process by using fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, analytic hierarchy process, and validity test. The evaluation result would avail to directly and effectively guide product optimization and upgrade process in accordance with quantitatively analyzed evaluation indexes of intelligent boom sprayer reconfigurability by using mathematical methods such as analytic hierarchy process and validity test in evaluation process. The index system was formed from six components, which were key design information, quality, cost, efficiency, intelligence, and operational capability. Index weights were calculated by the analytic hierarchy process. Finally, a multifunctional shiftable boom intelligent sprayer was evaluated for product reconfigurability improvements by using the evaluation method. Reconfigurability evaluation result of the multifunctional shiftable boom intelligent sprayer belonged to "good" evaluation interval by the calculation of formulas. There was further room to improve product reconfigurability, as the membership degree in the "good" evaluation interval was below 0.5. The study could provide a scientific basis for improving the reconfigurability, technical performance, and operation quality of products in intelligent boom sprayer design. In addition, it may be possible to decrease the arbitrary nature of subjective design factors and support economic and ecological goals when businesses upgrade products.