Automatic Depth Control for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural implements require operators to stop and manually adjust depth control valves to vary the penetration depth of ground engaging tools, increasing the duration of tillage operations.
Innovation Solution
An automatic depth control system mounted on a tow vehicle, featuring a fluid control unit that adjusts the height of the implement frame based on sensor feedback, allowing for user-selectable penetration depth without stopping the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manually operated depth stop valve is used on the implement, then the penetration depth can be adjusted, but the operator must stop the tow vehicle and manually adjust the valve, significantly increasing the duration of tillage operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated fluid control system. The fluid control unit, mounted on the tow vehicle, automatically adjusts the depth control cylinder based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual valve adjustment and stopping the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where a sensor measures the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool and provides signals to the fluid control unit. The fluid control unit then automatically adjusts fluid flow to the depth control cylinder to maintain the desired penetration depth, creating a closed-loop control system.
2Extent of automation
If a manually operated depth stop valve is used on the implement, then penetration depth control is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid control unit is mounted on the tow vehicle and serves multiple functions: it controls fluid flow to the depth control cylinder, processes sensor signals, and automatically maintains penetration depth. This multi-functional approach consolidates control functions and reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate manual control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid control unit as an intermediary component between the tow vehicle and the implement. This intermediary automatically manages the depth control process by receiving sensor signals and adjusting fluid flow, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to direct manual control mechanisms.
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 system reduces the duration of tillage operations by enabling operators to adjust penetration depth automatically while the vehicle is in motion, eliminating the need for manual depth stop valves and reducing system complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
The depth control cylinders are configured to adjust a penetration depth of the ground engaging tools by varying a height of the wheels relative to the frame. The depth control cylinders may be fluidly coupled to a manually operated directional control valve within a tow vehicle.
Implementation Method 2
a sensor communicatively coupled to the fluid control unit and configured to output signals indicative of the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool
Implementation Method 3
The fluid control unit is configured to automatically control fluid flow to the depth control cylinder based on the signals to maintain a user-selectable penetration depth
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement system is provided that includes an implement, and a fluid control unit configured to mount to a tow vehicle. The agricultural implement system also includes a depth control cylinder mounted to a frame of the implement and fluidly coupled to the fluid control unit. The depth control cylinder is configured to adjust a penetration depth of a ground engaging tool of the implement by varying a height of a ground engaging wheel. In addition, the agricultural implement system includes a sensor communicatively coupled to the fluid control unit and configured to output signals indicative of the penetration depth of the ground engaging tool. The fluid control unit is configured to automatically control fluid flow to the depth control cylinder based on the signals to maintain a user-selectable penetration depth.