Flexible Conduit Reel Control for Uniform Crop Input Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crop input applicator vehicles face challenges in efficiently and accurately dispensing and retracting flexible conduits while maintaining optimal tension and position, leading to inconsistent application of crop inputs across fields.

Innovation Solution

A crop input applicator vehicle equipped with a reel, flexible conduit, and a conduit control assembly that includes angle sensors, gripping devices, and actuators to manage the extension and retraction of the conduit, ensuring precise control over the dispensing and retraction speed and tension, utilizing a planetary gear system for motor connection and hydraulic actuators for steering and gripping mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible conduit is used for crop input application, then adaptability to different field configurations is improved, but maintaining optimal tension and position becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different field configurationsVSAvoidconduit tension and position control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic conduit control system with actuators that actively adjust conduit tension and position in real-time based on vehicle movement and field conditions. The system transitions from a static conduit arrangement to a dynamically controlled one, allowing the conduit to adapt to different field configurations while maintaining optimal tension through active feedback control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs sensors to monitor conduit position, tension, and vehicle movement, feeding this information back to a control system that adjusts actuator positions accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the conduit maintains optimal tension and position despite variations in field configuration, vehicle speed, and terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If conduit extension and retraction speed is increased for efficiency, then productivity is improved, but control precision and tension consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconduit dispensing and retraction speedVSAvoidconduit position control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts conduit dispensing and retraction speeds based on real-time conditions such as vehicle speed, turn radius, and conduit tension requirements. Rather than operating at fixed high speeds, the actuators modulate conduit extension/retraction rates to maintain optimal tension, enabling both high productivity and precise control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors continuously monitor conduit tension and position, providing feedback to the control system that adjusts actuator speed and force in real-time. This feedback control allows the system to maintain precise conduit positioning even during high-speed operation, preventing conduit damage and ensuring consistent application quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a reel and flexible conduit system is implemented, then adaptability to various field sizes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of various field sizesVSAvoidconduit control mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the conduit control system with multi-functional actuators that perform multiple operations: dispensing conduit, retracting conduit, adjusting tension, and positioning the conduit relative to the vehicle. This universal approach consolidates what could be multiple separate mechanisms into a integrated system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability to various field sizes and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-adjusting features where the conduit control assembly automatically regulates tension and position based on sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention. The actuators self-correct for variations in vehicle speed, terrain, and field configuration, reducing the need for complex manual control mechanisms and operator skill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 vehicle achieves consistent and efficient application of crop inputs by maintaining optimal conduit tension and position, ensuring uniform coverage and reducing waste, while allowing for adjustable boom lengths and configurations to accommodate various field sizes.

Implementation Method 1

The reel is connected with a motor through a planetary gear

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlanetary gear mechanism: Epicyclic Gearing

Implementation Method 2

hydraulic actuators for steering and gripping mechanisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS20240268286A1Crop input application apparatus, systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.08.15 MA IND LLC

AI summary

An irrigation vehicle supports a reel and a flexible conduit positioned on the reel. A conduit control assembly controls dispensing and retraction of the flexible conduit from and to the reel. The conduit control assembly can include a conduit tension sensing assembly, a conduit angle sensing assembly and a frame supporting a gripping assembly.