Automated Hydraulic Spool for Drain Tile Coil Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for deploying and replacing drain tile rolls in agricultural settings are time-consuming and inefficient, posing safety risks and allowing for unwanted movement of tiles, which can cause damage and defects during the process.
Innovation Solution
A fully automated system for controlling a tile stringing implement from within a vehicle, featuring a vertically adjustable spool and hydraulic actuators to securely manage and replace drain tile rolls, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing tile movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling of drain tile rolls is used, then operators can control the deployment process, but the process is time-consuming and requires operators to exit the vehicle cab
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the tile stringing implement automatically loads, secures, and deploys drain tile rolls without requiring operator intervention. The hydraulic actuators and automated retaining member engagement allow the system to service itself, eliminating the need for operators to exit the vehicle cab and manually handle rolls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with a hydraulic actuation system. Hydraulic actuators automatically position and secure the drain tile rolls onto the spool shaft, and automatically engage/disengage the retaining members, substituting operator-driven mechanical operations with automated hydraulic control from within the cab.
2Reliability
If drain tile rolls are securely retained on the spool, then tile movement is prevented, but the loading and replacement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining system is segmented into two separate retaining members (first and second retaining members) that can independently engage with the spool shaft. This segmentation allows each retaining member to be controlled by separate hydraulic actuators, providing reliable tile retention while maintaining operational simplicity through modular control.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining members are designed to be dynamically controllable through hydraulic actuators, allowing them to automatically engage and disengage based on operational needs. This dynamic control enables reliable tile securing during deployment while simplifying the loading and replacement process through automated engagement/disengagement sequences.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the spool size is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot accommodate varying tile coil sizes and heights
Solution Approach 1:
The spool structure incorporates dynamically adjustable components, specifically the vertically movable second retaining member controlled by hydraulic actuators. This allows the spool configuration to adapt to different tile coil sizes and heights while maintaining structural simplicity through automated vertical adjustment rather than complex mechanical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic actuators are used to provide vertical movement of the second retaining member and to adjust the spool configuration. This hydraulic system enables the spool to adapt to varying tile coil dimensions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, as the hydraulic pressure directly controls the vertical positioning.
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 solution significantly reduces the time required for loading and deploying drain tile rolls, enhances safety by minimizing operator exposure, and prevents unwanted tile movement, leading to efficient and cost-effective deployment in the field.
Implementation Method 1
a second hydraulic actuator translates the second spool end drainage tile retaining member vertically to a position where the second drainage tile retaining member secures the coil of drainage tile to the spool shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A drainage tile stringer system which includes a spool which has an automated hat, which translates along the stinger or shaft of the spool so that the vertical size of the spool is adjustable to accommodate differences in coils of drainage tiles. The system is automated so that a single controller can be utilized to perform all of the hydraulic functions required to load a coil onto the drainage tile stringer system and to adjust the vertical spool dimension.