Agricultural Frame Weight Redistribution Using Product-Volume Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural machines require manual adjustment of weight distribution across the frame, which is inconvenient and difficult to use due to physical constraints.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural machine with a system that automatically redistributes weight across its frame based on the volume of product stored, using sensors to measure characteristics such as vibration frequency, shape, and flow rate, and a controller to adjust actuators to maintain balanced weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of weight distribution is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to physical constraints and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The weight distribution system automatically adjusts itself based on sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention. The controller monitors product volume through sensors (vibration frequency, shape, flow rate) and autonomously actuates hydraulic cylinders to redistribute weight, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for operator physical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect product volume and electronically controls hydraulic actuators. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with sensor-based automated control resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through intelligent control rather than purely mechanical solutions.
2Ease of operation
If automatic weight redistribution based on product volume is implemented, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The control system serves multiple functions: it monitors product volume through various sensors (vibration frequency, shape, flow rate), calculates weight distribution requirements, and controls hydraulic actuators. By making the control system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining automatic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors product volume using sensors and adjusts weight distribution in real-time based on feedback. This closed-loop control allows the system to automatically adapt to changing product conditions, improving ease of operation while managing complexity through intelligent feedback-based control rather than requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If weight distribution is manually adjusted, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming adjustments during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs weight distribution adjustments automatically in advance based on predicted product volume changes, rather than waiting for manual intervention. By continuously monitoring product volume and proactively adjusting weight distribution, the system maintains optimal conditions throughout operation, improving productivity while managing complexity through automated prediction and adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic weight distribution system operates continuously throughout the agricultural operation, constantly monitoring product volume and adjusting weight distribution as needed. This continuous automated action eliminates interruptions for manual adjustment, maintaining productivity while managing device complexity through sustained intelligent control rather than periodic mechanical intervention.
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 convenient and efficient weight redistribution, maintaining optimal downforce on row units and wheel assemblies, enhancing planting efficacy even in uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one sensor is configured to measure the vibration frequency of the one or more tanks of the product storage system; wherein the controller determines the volume of product in the product storage system based on the measured vibration frequency of the one or tanks of the product storage system
Data Source
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AI summary
Agricultural machine (100) is disclosed. The agricultural machine (100) comprising: a frame (102) including: a center section (120), a first wing section (122) coupled to the center section, and a second wing section (124) coupled to the center section and positioned opposite the first wing section; a product storage system (140) supported by the center section and including one or more tanks (142, 144, 146) configured to store product usable in an operation of the agricultural machine (100); a first actuator (310) coupled to the center section and to the first wing section; a second actuator (312) coupled to the center section and to the second wing section; and at least one sensor (304, 308, 314, 316, 318, 320) configured to measure or detect a characteristic associated with the product stored in the product storage system; a controller (150) operatively coupled to the first actuator, the second actuator, and the at least one sensor; wherein the controller is configured to determine the volume of product in the product storage system based on at least one measured or detected characteristic associated with the product and received from the at least one sensor; and wherein the controller is configured to adjust at least one of the first actuator and the second actuator to redistribute weight across the frame (102) based on the determined volume of product in the product storage system. Further, a method of automatically redistributing weight across a frame (102) of said agricultural machine (100) during operation thereof is disclosed.