Agricultural Distribution Linkage Anticipatory Height Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural distribution machines face delays in responding to changing vertical distances between the distribution linkage and the crop due to long system response times, resulting in inadequate adaptation of the linkage's position, which affects the uniform application of materials.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor device that anticipates changing vertical distances by using a combination of close-range and far-range sensors to generate actuating signals for the actuating device, allowing for pre-adjustment of the distribution linkage's position before reaching the changed vertical distance, thereby reducing response time and improving positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ultrasonic sensors are used for sensing vertical position, then the system can detect the distance between the distribution linkage and the crop, but the response time is too long (1.2 s) causing delayed adaptation to changing vertical distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using far-range sensors to detect upcoming changes in vertical distance before the distribution linkage reaches those positions. The sensor device includes both close-range and far-range ultrasonic sensors, where the far-range sensors anticipate future position changes and trigger actuating signals in advance, compensating for the system's inherent response delay.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the distribution linkage has high mass inertia for structural stability, then the linkage maintains position stability, but the response time for position adaptation increases due to difficulty in moving the heavy structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for the inertia-induced delay by performing preliminary actions. The control device generates actuating signals based on measurements from far-range sensors before the linkage needs to respond, allowing the heavy structure to begin moving in anticipation of required position changes, thus maintaining both stability and adaptation speed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic actuating devices are used for position control, then the linkage can be adjusted to different positions, but the response time of the actuating device contributes to the overall delay in position adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses hydraulic actuator delay by generating actuating signals in advance based on far-range sensor data. The control device processes these提前 measurements and sends commands to the hydraulic actuators before the actual position change is needed, allowing the slow hydraulic system to respond on time despite its inherent response delay.
4Productivity
If the distribution machine travels at high speed (18 km/h), then productivity increases, but the travel distance during response time (6 metres) increases causing further delay in position adaptation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for speed-related delays by implementing preliminary action through far-range sensors. These sensors detect upcoming terrain changes at greater distances, allowing the control system to calculate and execute position adjustments in advance, ensuring that even at high travel speeds, the linkage adapts to vertical distance changes at the correct positions.
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 approach enables rapid and precise adaptation of the distribution linkage to changing vertical distances, ensuring more effective and uniform application of materials across the agricultural area, reducing the impact of system response times and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device comprises a far-range sensor which is configured to sense upcoming values for the vertical distance
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural distribution machinehaving a distribution linkage for applying agricultural material with two lateral booms, each having a plurality of application elements for applying the material, and a method of operation thereof. The distribution machine includes a controllable actuating device for altering a position of the distribution linkage relative to a target agricultural area to be worked, a sensor device configured to sense in anticipation changing vertical distances between the distribution linkage and the target area and/or upcoming changes in contour of the target area, and a control device that, for the purpose of controlling the position, preferably controlling the height, of the distribution linkage, is configured to generate actuating signals for the actuating means based upon the changing vertical distances sensed in anticipation and/or changes in contour, in order to at least partially reduce a response time in the position control device.