Electric Linear Actuator Down Force Control for Agricultural Planters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural planters face challenges in maintaining consistent seed depth across varying soil types and obstructions, as existing down force systems are not adaptable enough to rapidly change with soil conditions, leading to inefficiencies in seed placement and potential damage from obstructions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of an electric linear actuator system that provides adjustable down force pressure to row units, combined with foresight technology for real-time soil condition monitoring and actuation, allows for precise control of down force to maintain seed depth and adapt to changing conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional springs or air bag systems are used to provide down force, then the system can maintain down force pressure, but the response time to changing soil conditions is slow and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing soil conditionsVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical spring systems and pneumatic air bag systems with an electric linear actuator system. This substitution enables rapid, electronically-controlled adjustment of down force pressure in response to changing soil conditions, eliminating the slow response characteristics of mechanical and pneumatic systems while providing precise, real-time adaptability through electronic control signals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If row unit down force pressure is increased to handle higher residue levels, then penetration capability improves, but the ability to quickly rise over obstructions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedown force pressureVSAvoidresponse to obstructions

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic down force control system using electric linear actuators that can rapidly adjust the magnitude of down force pressure applied to row units. This dynamic capability allows the system to apply high force for penetrating residue-covered soil, then quickly reduce force when encountering obstructions, and subsequently restore force after passing obstructions, providing adaptability across varying field conditions that static spring or air bag systems cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Force

If air bag systems with large cross-sectional area are used, then force multiplication and isolation between row units improve, but the volume required for rapid pressure change increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce multiplicationVSAvoidair spring volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pneumatic air bag system with an electric linear actuator system, eliminating the need for large-volume air springs and associated hoses. The electric actuator provides direct force application without requiring compressible gas volumes, enabling rapid force adjustment without the volume constraints that limit the speed of pressure change in pneumatic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If traditional down force systems are used, then simple structure is maintained, but manufacturing precision of seed depth decreases under varying conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidseed depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical down force systems with electric linear actuators that provide precise, electronically-controlled adjustment of down force pressure. This substitution enables accurate maintenance of seed depth consistency across varying soil conditions through electronic control, while the modular actuator design keeps overall system complexity manageable compared to sophisticated pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11558991B2Apparatuses, methods, and systems for providing down force for an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 KINZE MFG INC

AI summary

An agricultural planter includes systems, methods, and apparatuses for maintaining down force pressure at row units of the planter. The row units may include an electric linear actuator connected to linkages of the row units to maintain a down force pressure for the row unit. The linkage may also be removed and replaced with a strut or like mechanism to apply a direct down force pressure to components of the row unit. One or more sensors can be included to obtain information related to the ground to automatically adjust the amount of down force provided based upon a ground characteristic in order to maintain a substantially uniform furrow depth.