Electro-hydraulic Cylinder Assemblies for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face inefficiencies due to power loss in hydraulic systems, as hydraulic fluid travels long distances through hoses, requiring significant power from tractors and leading to energy loss and hydraulic line management challenges.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of electromechanical hydraulic cylinder assemblies that utilize electric power from a tractor or external source to generate hydraulic power directly where needed, eliminating the need for external hydraulic lines and allowing integration with electronic control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic fluid is transported through long hoses from the tractor to the planter cylinders, then hydraulic power can be transferred to the planter components, but significant power is lost during fluid transport and a great deal of power must be supplied by the tractor
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into multiple distributed electro-hydraulic pump units located at different positions on the planter (e.g., at the toolbar and at individual row units). Each pump unit is independently powered by electrical lines from the tractor, eliminating the need for long hydraulic hoses and reducing power loss by performing hydraulic power generation locally where it is needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a centralized hydraulic system with extensive hoses is used to power all cylinders, then all components can be hydraulically actuated, but the system complexity and hydraulic line management become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic pump function is extracted from the centralized hydraulic system and distributed to individual electro-hydraulic pump units located at the planter. Each pump unit contains its own motor, pump, and control valve assembly, eliminating the need for extensive hydraulic hoses and complex line management while maintaining full hydraulic actuation capability at all components.
3Loss of energy
If electromechanical hydraulic pump units are distributed throughout the planter, then power loss is reduced and system efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple pump units
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into single integrated electro-hydraulic pump units. Each unit combines an electric motor, hydraulic pump, control valve, and mounting structure into one compact assembly that can be easily installed at the toolbar or row units. This integration reduces the overall system complexity despite having multiple distributed units, as each unit is a self-contained module requiring minimal additional components.
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 enhances efficiency by reducing power loss, simplifying system design, and enabling better control of cylinder operations, while eliminating the need for extensive hydraulic hoses and fluid management issues.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor operatively connected to the hydraulic pump
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic pump operatively connected to the cylinder and including a reservoir of hydraulic fluid... the pump is operatively connected to direct the hydraulic fluid from one side of the cylinder piston to the other
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement includes the use of one or more electromechanical hydraulic cylinder assembly in place of hydraulic cylinders. The assemblies may take various forms for actuation, and can convert an electric power source to hydraulic power for use on or with the implement. A control system is also provided for connecting to a tractor to provide control information to the assemblies or to a central hydraulic supply via a ISOBUS that rebroadcasts input controls from a source, such as a tractor used in conjunction with the agricultural implement.