Air Strut Suspension for Agricultural Applicator Ride Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high ground clearance self-propelled agricultural product applicators face issues with varying ground clearance due to load changes, affecting product application precision and ride quality, and require compromised suspension performance across different operating modes.
Innovation Solution
A controllable ride-height trailing arm suspension system using extensible air struts and angular position sensors, controlled by an electronic unit to maintain desired ground clearance and speed across various tasks and load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If compression springs are used for suspension, then the applicator can support heavy loads, but ground clearance varies as load decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the suspension system actively adjustable rather than passive. The air suspension system can dynamically change its characteristics based on load conditions, transitioning from a static spring system to a dynamic control system that adapts ride height and stiffness in real-time based on sensor feedback about load weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the air pressure and volume in the suspension system to adjust ride height and stiffness characteristics. The electronic control system modifies suspension parameters (pressure, volume, damping) based on detected load conditions, enabling the system to maintain optimal ground clearance whether heavily loaded or empty.
2Reliability
If compression springs are used for suspension, then the applicator can handle loaded states, but handling characteristics deteriorate in unloaded states
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system transitions from static spring characteristics to dynamic air suspension control, allowing real-time adjustment of stiffness and damping based on load detection. This enables optimal handling characteristics whether the applicator is heavily loaded or empty, as the system adapts its mechanical properties to current operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by using sensors to detect load weight and automatically adjusting suspension parameters through the electronic control system. The system continuously monitors load conditions and modifies air pressure and suspension characteristics accordingly, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and ensuring consistent handling across all load states.
3Manufacturing precision
If high ground clearance is maintained for product application, then application precision is improved, but transport capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the suspension system to switch between high and low ride heights as needed. The air suspension can be dynamically adjusted to provide high ground clearance during product application for precision, then lowered during transport for versatility and road compliance, eliminating the compromise required by fixed-height systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system achieves multi-functionality by serving multiple purposes: maintaining high ground clearance for precise product application, lowering for transport on public roads and through gates, and providing adjustable stiffness for different load conditions. This single system replaces what would otherwise require multiple fixed-configuration systems.
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
The system ensures consistent ground clearance and ride quality, optimizing product application precision and handling characteristics across different operating modes, including transportation, by actively controlling air strut extension and speed based on task inputs and load sensing.
Implementation Method 1
an extensible air strut... providing a controlled flow of pressururized air to the air strut... to thereby control ride-height by controlling extension of each of the air struts
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method for providing task-specific ride-height and speed control in a self-propelled agricultural product applicator utilize a controllable ride-height trailing arm suspension system, including an extensible air strut and an angular position sensor, for independently joining each wheel to a frame of the applicator. An electronic control unit utilizes the angular positions detected by the sensors, in conjunction with a desired task input, to control the air struts in a manner providing a ride-height corresponding to the desired task input. The electronic control unit also controls maximum speed of the applicator for each task, per a predetermined schedule, or in response to a suspended load of the applicator.