Agricultural Machine Pressure Adjustment for State Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face inefficiencies and high maintenance costs due to the need to maintain high pressures during state changes, leading to excessive loads and energy consumption, and existing solutions are complex and costly.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a pressure adjustment system that automatically adjusts pressure based on operating states, using a control and regulating system to set pressures required for each state, with options for working, relaxation, and intermediate pressures, and incorporating sensors for position detection to simplify operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure is maintained during operating state changes, then the sowing and soil cultivation tools can penetrate the arable soil effectively, but the pressure adjustment system and tools are exposed to unnecessarily strong loads and high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure adjustment system dynamically adapts pressure levels to the current operating state. During working position, high pressure (10-50 bar) is applied for effective soil penetration. During transport or headland positions, pressure is reduced to minimal levels, eliminating unnecessary loads and energy consumption while maintaining penetration capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter based on operating state transitions. The control system detects position changes and automatically adjusts pressure settings, switching between high pressure for working and low pressure for transport, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining penetration capability and reducing energy consumption.
2Force
If high pressure is maintained during operating state changes, then the sowing and soil cultivation tools can press into the arable soil with sufficient force, but the machine components are subjected to very high loads during state transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing force is dynamically adjusted according to operating state. High force is applied only when the machine is in working position and tools need to penetrate soil. During transport or headland operations, force is reduced to minimal levels, protecting components from excessive loads while maintaining sufficient pressing force during actual work.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages pressure adjustment based on detected operating state, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system self-regulates component loads by reducing pressure during non-working states, thereby protecting machine components without requiring additional protective mechanisms.
3Reliability
If high pressure is maintained during operating state changes, then the tools can engage the arable soil effectively, but the state change process takes particularly long time
Solution Approach 1:
The control system anticipates operating state changes and begins pressure adjustment in advance. When a state change is detected or anticipated, pressure is proactively reduced before the transition is complete and rebuilt quickly once the new state is established, minimizing the time tools are in a non-optimal engagement state.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure adjustment system operates in periodic cycles corresponding to operating state transitions. Pressure is rapidly adjusted during transitions and maintained at optimal levels during steady working states, creating an efficient rhythm that minimizes transition time while ensuring reliable tool engagement during work phases.
4Use of energy by moving object
If additional valves and pressure relaxation accumulators are added to reduce pressure during state changes, then the loads and energy consumption are reduced, but the system complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing control and regulating system is extended to perform pressure adjustment functions. The control system integrates position detection with pressure management, using the same control unit to both detect operating state and regulate pressure, thereby reducing energy consumption without adding separate dedicated pressure control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between position detection and pressure adjustment. Rather than adding direct mechanical pressure relief valves and accumulators, the electronic control system mediates pressure adjustment based on operating state, achieving load and energy reduction while maintaining system simplicity.
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 approach allows for quick state changes, reduces loads on the machine, lowers energy consumption, and increases operational safety and machine lifespan while simplifying the pressure adjustment system and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting the adjustable pressure depending on the detected operating state
Data Source
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AI summary
Working machine (10) which can be operated in different operating states, comprising a seeding and/or tillage tool (21) which is coupled to the working machine (10) via a frame (12), a pressure adjustment system which has at least one first actuating element (30) associated with the seeding and/or tillage tool (21) and is configured to apply and/or release adjustable pressure to the first actuating element (30), wherein the seeding and/or tillage tool (21) can be pressed against agricultural soil by means of the first actuating element (30) depending on the adjustable pressure, and a control and/or regulation system which is coupled to the pressure adjustment system and is configured to adjust the adjustable pressure.In order to design a working machine (10) in such a way that the operating states can be changed particularly quickly and the pressure setting system can be manufactured particularly simply and cost-effectively, it is provided that the operating state of the working machine (10) can be detected and/or selected by the control and/or regulation system and that the adjustable pressure can be adapted depending on the operating state.