Agricultural Machine Depth Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines, particularly rotary harrrows, lack efficient systems for controlling working depth and tool wear, limiting their versatility and efficiency in soil processing tasks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control and command system that uses sensors and a control algorithm to measure and adjust the working depth of tools, monitor wear, and manage operations from a tractor-mounted monitor, enabling precise control of the machine's depth and tool condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional agricultural machines are used without electronic control systems, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of working depth and tool wear is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical depth control with electronic sensors (ultrasonic, laser, or GPS-based) that automatically measure and transmit depth data to a control system. This substitution enables precise working depth measurement while reducing reliance on operator skill and mechanical linkages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the physical machine components and the operator. This control unit processes sensor data, calculates tool wear, and provides feedback signals to actuators, enabling precise control without direct mechanical connections between all components.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional agricultural machines are used without electronic control systems, then the device complexity is low, but the control precision of working depth and tool wear is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where sensors continuously measure working depth and tool position, transmit data to the control unit, which then adjusts actuators to maintain the desired depth. This feedback mechanism ensures precise depth control and compensates for variations in soil conditions and tool wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical depth control with electronic sensors (ultrasonic, laser, or GPS-based) that automatically measure and transmit depth data to a control system. This substitution enables precise working depth measurement while reducing reliance on operator skill and mechanical linkages.
3Productivity
If comprehensive sensors and control systems are added to agricultural machines, then the productivity and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the electronic control system to perform multiple functions: measuring working depth, monitoring tool wear, controlling hydraulic actuators, and providing operator feedback. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a single integrated unit, improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors tool wear and adjusts operating parameters without continuous operator intervention. The control unit processes sensor data and makes real-time adjustments to maintain optimal performance, enabling the machine to serve itself and reducing the need for constant manual monitoring and adjustment.
4Loss of information
If manual monitoring of machine operations is used, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of information regarding working conditions and tool wear is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic control unit as an intermediary between the physical machine components and the operator. This control unit processes sensor data, calculates tool wear, and provides feedback signals to actuators, enabling precise control without direct mechanical connections between all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical depth control with electronic sensors (ultrasonic, laser, or GPS-based) that automatically measure and transmit depth data to a control system. This substitution enables precise working depth measurement while reducing reliance on operator skill and mechanical linkages.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A control and command system for agricultural machines, wherein the agricultural machine has a supporting frame (14) and a series of tools (10) adapted for shredding the ground in depth, which are connected to a roller (11), said roller (11) being smooth or provided with spikes (16). The system comprises a sensor (S2), which measures, in a first initial condition according to which said agricultural machine rests on a fixed horizontal reference plane (T), a height difference (LM), with respect to the fixed reference plane (T), between a first horizontal level (L1) of a first support (17) fixed to the frame (14) of the agricultural machine and a second horizontal level (L2) of a second support (18) fixed to the roller (11). The sensor (S2) is also configured to measure instantaneous height differences (L) in working conditions and the control system stores the height difference (LM) and is able to measure the instantaneous height differences (L), taking into account a predefined value relative to a sinking measure (S) of the roller (11) beyond the fixed reference plane (T), so as to obtain an instantaneous depth measurement (P) of the tools (10) beyond said fixed reference plane (T).