Multi-Section Agricultural Implement Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements lack effective depth control for multiple-section tools, particularly in the direction of travel, which limits their ability to follow ground contours and maintain consistent operating depths across different sections.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a depth control device with sensors and an electro-hydraulic or electronic control system that adjusts lift devices and actuators to maintain constant pre-selected operating depths for multiple ground-engaging tools, allowing independent depth adjustments for each section, including a first, second, and third frame section with corresponding tools, using sensors like hall effect rotational sensors or pressure transducers to generate control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single electro-hydraulic control system is used to adjust depth of ground-engaging tools, then the control system can adjust depth across the width of the implement, but it cannot maintain independent depth control for multiple frame sections in the direction of travel
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent depth control systems, with each frame section having its own depth control device that can independently adjust and maintain the depth of ground-engaging tools for that specific section. This allows each section to operate at its pre-selected depth independently while the overall system remains manageable through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, unified depth control approach to a dynamic, section-specific control approach. Each depth control device can dynamically adjust its frame section's depth independently based on ground contours and pre-selected depth settings, allowing the implement to adapt to varying terrain conditions across different sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frame sections are pivotally coupled to follow ground contours, then the implement can adapt to terrain variations, but depth control in the direction of travel becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
Each depth control device incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the depth and position of ground-engaging tools, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect depth deviations caused by pivotal frame section movements and automatically adjust actuators to maintain the pre-selected operating depth, ensuring consistent depth control despite terrain variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces purely mechanical depth control mechanisms with an electro-hydraulic or electronic control system that uses sensors, controllers, and actuators to actively maintain depth. This substitution enables precise depth control by converting mechanical position information into electrical signals that can be processed and used to drive corrective actions.
3Productivity
If multiple ground-engaging tools are used across different frame sections, then the implement can cover wider area, but maintaining consistent operating depths for each tool becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The depth control system is divided into separate, independent control devices for each frame section and ground-engaging tool. Each segment manages its own depth control independently, which simplifies the overall system architecture compared to a single complex centralized control system that would need to manage all tools simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The depth control devices are designed with universal functionality that can be applied across multiple frame sections and tool types. The same basic control device architecture, sensor type, and actuator mechanism can be replicated for each section, reducing design complexity and allowing standardized components to be used throughout the implement.
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 solution enables precise and independent depth control for multiple ground-engaging tools, allowing the implement to maintain consistent operating depths across different sections, improving its ability to follow ground contours and adapt to varying terrain, while also facilitating easy transport and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-hydraulic controller is configured to receive a source of hydraulic pressure. The lift device is configured for raising and lowering the first frame section with respect to the ground to move the first ground-engaging tool between a first ground-engaging tool transport position and a first pre-selected operating depth.
Data Source
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AI summary
An agricultural implement (10, 210) is disclosed. The agricultural implement (10, 210) is adapted to be moved by a vehicle in a forward direction of travel. The agricultural implement (10, 210) comprising: a first frame section (20, 220); a first ground-engaging tool (30, 230) coupled to the first frame section (20, 220); a controller; a lift device (55, 255) in communication with the controller and coupled to the first frame section (20, 220), the lift device (55, 255) configured for raising and lowering the first frame section (20, 220) with respect to the ground (45, 245) to move the first ground-engaging tool (30, 230) between a first ground-engaging tool (30, 230) transport position (57, 257) and a first pre-selected operating depth (58, 258). At least a second frame section (65, 85, 265, 285) is coupled to the first frame section (20, 220) forward or rearward of the first ground-engaging tool (20, 220). At least a second ground-engaging tool (70, 90, 270, 290) is coupled to the at least second frame section (65, 85, 265, 285). At least one extendable and retractable actuator in communication with the controller ist coupled to the first frame section (20, 220) and the at least second frame section (65, 85, 265, 285), the actuator configured to move the at least second ground-engaging tool (70, 90, 270, 290) between a at least second ground-engaging tool transport position (82, 102, 282, 302) and a at least second pre-selected operating depth (83, 103, 283, 303). The agricultural implement (10, 210) is an improved self-compensating multiple-section agricultural implement (10, 210).