Agricultural Distributor Single Control Unit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural spreaders face challenges in flexibility and complexity, leading to increased costs and operational complexity due to the need for multiple control devices, which can result in hydraulic and pneumatic fluid leaks and difficulty in coupling working units to the pressure supply device.

Innovation Solution

A distribution machine design where a single control unit is connected to the pressure supply device via both a primary control unit and a fan control unit, allowing for adjustable fluid flow and pressure to operate working units in different positions, reducing the need for multiple control devices and simplifying operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate control units are used for different working units, then each working unit can be operated in different positions independently, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation of working unitsVSAvoidnumber of control units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single control unit that can independently control different working units. The control unit includes multiple control valves that can be independently actuated, allowing each working unit to be controlled separately while using a single integrated control device, thus reducing overall complexity while maintaining independent operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single control unit is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple working units through different control valves. Each control valve can be independently actuated to control fluid flow to specific working units, enabling the control unit to perform multiple control functions simultaneously or sequentially

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate control units are used for different working units, then each working unit can be operated in different positions independently, but the likelihood of fluid leaks increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation of working unitsVSAvoidfluid leak prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple control functions into a single control unit with integrated fluid conduits, the patent reduces the number of connection points and potential leak sources. The single control unit uses a unified fluid supply system with internal routing, eliminating the need for multiple separate fluid connections that would increase leak risk

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single control unit is used for multiple working units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to operate working units in different positions independently is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of control unitsVSAvoidindependent operation of working units
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is segmented into multiple independent control valves, each capable of being actuated separately to control fluid flow to specific working units. This segmentation allows independent control of each working unit while maintaining a single integrated control device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit incorporates dynamic control capabilities through multiple actuable control valves that can be independently activated or deactivated. This allows the system to dynamically adjust fluid flow distribution to different working units based on operational requirements, enabling independent position control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control units are connected to the pressure supply device, then each working unit can be controlled independently, but the coupling complexity and difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control of working unitsVSAvoidcoupling to pressure supply device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple control unit connections into a single coupling interface with the pressure supply device. The single control unit includes internal fluid routing that distributes hydraulic fluid to multiple control valves, eliminating the need for multiple separate couplings and simplifying the manufacturing and assembly process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design enables flexible operation of working units in different positions with a simple structure, reducing costs and the likelihood of fluid leaks, while allowing for efficient pressure management and quick filling of the control unit.

Implementation Method 1

a blower (13) for pneumatically conveying granular materials (25) from at least one storage container (12) assigned to the distribution machine (10) along at least one conveying line (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic conveyance: Fluidisation

Implementation Method 2

a pressure supply system (50), in particular a tractor hydraulic system, through which the fluid required for the hydraulic and/or pneumatic system is supplied at an adjustable pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure transmission: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4144198A1Agricultural distributor for applying granular materials to an agricultural area
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4144198A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4144198A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4144198A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Agricultural spreading machine (10) comprising a machine frame (11), a first and second working unit (20, 30) each with one or more tillage tools (21, 31) which can each be operated in different operating positions and pressed against the ground with adjustable pressure, a blower (13) for pneumatically conveying granular materials from a storage container (12) and/or along a conveying line, an associated pressure supply device (50) for providing and/or conveying a hydraulic and/or pneumatic fluid as required, a fluid conveying device (60) with a circuit (61A, 61B) for the fluid, and a first fluidic control unit (54A) associated with the first working unit (20) and an additional fluidic control unit (54B) associated with the blower,wherein the fluid for operating and/or adjusting the operating positions can be supplied as required to the first working unit (20) and/or to the blower (13) via the fluid-conducting device and the respective associated control unit.