Agricultural Tool Depth Control via Load Cell Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines, particularly rotary harrrows, lack efficient systems for controlling working depth and tool wear, requiring manual adjustment and user expertise, which affects processing quality and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control and command system that uses sensors and load cells to measure and adjust the working depth and wear of tools in real-time, allowing for direct control from a tractor monitor, enabling precise management of tool depth and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment and user expertise are used for controlling working depth and tool wear, then the system remains simple, but processing quality and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by implementing automatic monitoring and control functions through electronic sensors and microprocessors. The working depth sensors (ultrasonic, inductive, or capacitive) automatically detect tool position and wear without manual intervention, and the microprocessor-controlled hydraulic system automatically adjusts tool depth based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustment while maintaining simple overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with electronic sensing and control systems. Instead of relying on user expertise and manual depth control, the system uses electronic sensors (ultrasonic, inductive, capacitive) to detect tool position and wear, and uses microprocessor-controlled hydraulic actuators to automatically adjust working depth, substituting mechanical manual control with automated electronic systems
2Measurement precision
If electronic sensors and actuators are added to control working depth and tool wear, then control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single microprocessor unit that controls multiple functions: it processes signals from various types of sensors (ultrasonic, inductive, capacitive), controls hydraulic actuators for depth adjustment, monitors tool wear, and manages different sensor types interchangeably. This universal control approach allows precise measurement and control while keeping the electronic system architecture relatively simple through consolidation of control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by using multiple types of sensors (ultrasonic, inductive, capacitive) that can be interchangeably installed to detect the same physical parameter (tool depth and position). Each sensor type operates on different physical principles but achieves the same measurement function, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision while providing flexibility in sensor selection and installation
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring and automatic control are implemented, then processing quality improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring tool working depth through sensors and automatically adjusting the hydraulic system to maintain the desired depth. The microprocessor receives sensor signals, processes them, and sends control commands to hydraulic actuators to maintain precise working depth without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving processing quality while the automated nature actually simplifies operation for the user
4Reliability
If multiple sensor types are used for measuring working depth, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by designing a single sensor mounting position that can accommodate multiple types of sensors (ultrasonic, inductive, capacitive). The microprocessor is programmed to handle signals from any of these sensor types interchangeably, allowing the system to maintain measurement reliability through sensor redundancy while keeping the overall sensor system architecture simple through standardized mounting and universal control logic
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
Enables precise control of working depth and tool wear, improving processing efficiency and reducing manual intervention, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of agricultural machines.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor, preferably of ultrasonic type, is used to detect a position of the leveling bar
Implementation Method 2
one or more load cells, preferably of piezoresistive type, positioned between the leveling bar and the supports
Implementation Method 3
an angular sensor (not shown), which allows the user to adjust the machine in a horizontal position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A control and command system for agricultural machines, wherein the agricultural machine has a supporting frame (14), 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), and a refining or leveling bar (15), configured to hold the ground inside a machine working chamber to increase the refinement of the worked soil, said bar (15) being fixed parallel to the roller (11) and being adjustable in height with respect to a surface level of the ground (T); a load detectable by one or more load cells (CC), which are placed between the refining bar (15) and a series of supports, is positioned on said refining bar (15). The load changes on the basis of the type of the soil to be worked.