Adjustable Upper Link for Consistent Tillage Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural working machines, such as tractors with three-point hitch systems, struggle to maintain a consistent tillage depth and traction across varying soil profiles and gradients, leading to inefficient soil cultivation and potential operational challenges in hilly terrain.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural working machine equipped with a three-point hitch lifting gear featuring an adjustable upper link, controlled by sensors detecting soil height and profile, allows for real-time adjustment of the upper link length to maintain a constant tillage depth and optimize traction, using a hydraulic cylinder for dynamic load adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the upper link length is adjusted based on detected soil height profile, then the tillage depth consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the soil height profile using sensors (laser scanner, camera, or ultrasonic sensors) before the tillage implement actually engages the soil. This advance detection allows the control system to pre-adjust the upper link length to the appropriate position, ensuring consistent tillage depth from the outset rather than reacting after depth variations occur. The preliminary measurement and adjustment cycle completes before each new tillage cycle begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors continuously detect the soil height profile, the control unit processes this information to determine the required upper link length, and the positioning device adjusts the link accordingly. This feedback loop operates in real-time during operation, automatically correcting for soil profile variations to maintain consistent tillage depth without driver intervention.
2Force
If the upper link length is changed to react to soil resistance, then the load on rear axle is improved, but the response time is delayed until soil conditions already affect tillage
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect the soil height profile in advance, before the tillage implement engages the soil. This preliminary detection allows the control system to pre-adjust the upper link length and consequently pre-adjust the load on the rear axle before the soil resistance actually increases. The system anticipates the need for increased load rather than reacting after the implement encounters resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by detecting soil profile variations and adjusting the upper link length in advance, preventing tillage depth variations before they occur. This proactive adjustment cushiones against the adverse effects of soil profile variations, ensuring smooth and continuous tillage operation without interruptions or depth inconsistencies.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used for precise height profile detection, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement function by using multiple sensors positioned at different locations and orientations to detect different aspects of the soil height profile. Each sensor captures a portion of the overall profile, and the control unit integrates these segmented measurements to reconstruct the complete height profile with high precision. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the soil surface ahead of the implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multi-functional sensors that can perform multiple measurement tasks. For example, a laser scanner can detect both the height profile and the slope of the terrain, while a camera can capture visual information about soil conditions, moisture, and vegetation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors for each measurement type, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 continuous and efficient soil tillage with a consistent working depth and improved traction, automatically adapting to soil profiles and gradients without driver intervention, ensuring even operation across different terrains.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder can be provided on the upper link, by means of which the force of the driven rear axle on the ground can be increased or reduced quickly
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An agricultural machine (1), in particular a tractor, comprises a lifting mechanism (5) designed as a three-point linkage for receiving a tillage implement (8), in particular a plow, wherein the lifting mechanism (5) comprises two lower links (7) and a top link (6), each of which is pivotally connected at a first end to a frame part of the agricultural machine (1) and can be connected at an opposite second end to the tillage implement (8), wherein the top link (6) is length-adjustable for repositioning or aligning the tillage implement (8). A height profile of the soil (13) to be tilled can be detected via at least one sensor (10, 11, 12), and a change in the length of the top link (6) is carried out depending on the detected height profile of the soil (13). The invention further relates to a tractor and a method for operating an agricultural tractor.