Crop Divider Automatic Height Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crop dividers are inadequate in minimizing damage to crops from the wheels of agricultural implements, particularly when navigating over standing crops of significant height.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural apparatus featuring a plurality of divider mechanisms mounted in front of each implement wheel, comprising a divider member with a diversion mechanism and a parallel link assembly, actuator, control system, and sensor system to adjust and maintain optimal divider height relative to the field or crop surface, automatically raising the dividers to clear obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the divider height is fixed, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the divider cannot adapt to varying crop heights and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the divider height adjustable rather than fixed. The parallel link assembly enables the divider to move vertically between multiple height positions, allowing it to adapt to different crop heights and ground conditions. This transforms the static divider into a dynamic system that can change its configuration during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the height parameter of the divider. The actuator changes the vertical position parameter of the divider member, and the sensor system continuously monitors this parameter to maintain optimal height. This allows the divider to adapt to varying operational conditions by adjusting its height parameter.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the divider is raised to clear obstacles, then crop damage is avoided, but the divider may become too high for effective crop division
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through the sensor system that continuously monitors the vertical position of the divider member and provides this information to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically adjust the divider height, raising it when obstacles are detected and lowering it when the path is clear, thereby preventing crop damage while maintaining division effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel link assembly enables dynamic height adjustment of the divider. This mechanical dynamic system allows the divider to transition between low position (for effective crop division) and high position (for clearing obstacles), optimizing performance based on real-time conditions.
3Extent of automation
If manual height adjustment is used, then the system is simple, but it requires constant operator attention and intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the automated control system that independently monitors and adjusts the divider height without operator intervention. The sensor system detects obstacles and crop conditions, the controller processes this information, and the actuator automatically adjusts the divider position, allowing the system to manage itself during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback control loop continuously monitors divider position and obstacle detection data, automatically making height adjustments without requiring manual intervention. This closed-loop control system replaces manual operation with automated decision-making and actuation.
4Productivity
If the divider member is wide at the rear, then it provides better crop division, but it increases the risk of contacting the implement wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the divider member width variable through vertical positioning. When the divider is raised to clear obstacles, the effective width at crop level is reduced, preventing wheel contact. When lowered for normal operation, the full width provides effective crop division. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between width for division and width for avoiding wheel contact.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement operating on a field surface with growing crop plants comprises a plurality of divider mechanisms mounted in front of the implement wheels. Each divider mechanism comprises a divider member comprising a diversion member tapering laterally from a front end of the divider member, operative to push the crop plants away from a path of the wheel, and mounted to the implement by a parallel link assembly. An actuator is connected to the parallel link assembly and moves the divider member up and down. A control is operative to activate each actuator, and a sensor system senses a divider height of each divider member above the field surface. The sensor system is connected to the control such that the control is operative to specify a desired divider height for each divider member.