Agricultural Distributor Asynchronous Folding Control for Slope Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural spreading machines face instability on slopes, leading to an unfavorable center of gravity and potential tipping over due to synchronous and angularly symmetrical folding mechanisms, which are ineffective in maintaining balance on uneven terrain.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an inclination detection system that controls the folding of distribution linkage segments asynchronously based on the carrier vehicle's inclination, ensuring sufficient weight distribution by adjusting the folding speed and angle of linkage segments relative to the central part, thereby preventing tipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If synchronous and angularly symmetrical folding is implemented to achieve fastest folding independent of external influences, then folding speed is improved, but machine stability deteriorates on slopes causing tipping over

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding speedVSAvoidmachine stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the folding process by detecting slope inclination and adjusting the folding sequence and speed of individual booms accordingly. The control device modifies the operation of actuating elements based on real-time inclination data, transitioning from fixed synchronous folding to adaptive asynchronous folding that maintains stability while preserving folding speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control through an inclination detection device that continuously monitors the carrier vehicle's slope and provides signals to the control device. This feedback loop enables the system to detect slope conditions and automatically adjust the folding sequence and boom speeds to prevent tipping while maintaining efficient folding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If asynchronous folding is implemented to maintain stability on slopes, then machine stability is improved, but folding speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine stabilityVSAvoidfolding speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the folding process based on detected slope conditions. When slopes are detected, the control device implements asynchronous folding with modified sequences and speeds for individual booms. On level ground, the system reverts to faster synchronous folding, thus maintaining stability only when necessary while preserving overall folding speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters (folding sequence, boom speeds, actuation timing) based on detected slope inclination. The control device adjusts these parameters dynamically - using asynchronous folding with modified speeds on slopes, and synchronous folding at full speed on level ground, optimizing both stability and speed according to conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4014732B1Agricultural distributor and method for control and/or regulation of an agricultural distributor
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 HORSCH LEEB APPL SYST
  • EP4014732B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4014732B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP4014732B1 patent drawingFigure 1D~1E

AI summary

The invention relates to an agricultural spreading machine (10) and a method for controlling and/or regulating an agricultural spreading machine (10), preferably a field sprayer or pneumatic fertilizer spreader, with a carrier vehicle (16), with a tilt detection device (100) which is configured to detect a tilt of the carrier vehicle (16), preferably transverse to the direction of travel (FR), and with a spreading boom (12) with several boom segments (14; 14a-14g) which are connected to each other by means of joints (26) and which can each be folded into an unfolded working position and a folded transport position relative to each other by means of motorized actuating devices (28), wherein at least one boom segment (14; 14a-14g) forms a central part (15), and with a control device (120) for providing actuating signals for the actuating devices (28).In order to achieve a flapping of the distribution linkage (12) adapted to the inclinations of the carrier vehicle (16), it is provided that the control device (120) is configured to provide control signals for the actuating devices (28) depending on the detected inclination of the carrier vehicle (16) in such a way that actuating movements of the actuating devices (28) are carried out in such a way that at least two linkage segments (14; 14a-14g) are flapped in an at least approximately synchronous and/or defined asynchronous manner relative to the central part (15).