Folding Marker System With Breakaway Bolt And Segmented Hydraulic Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marker systems for large, multiple row planters face challenges in sustaining loading, being economical, and avoiding damage when hitting obstructions, while also requiring independent control of marker and implement positions during turns, which can lead to complex and potentially hazardous operations.
Innovation Solution
A folding marker system with a marker shoulder pivot, double acting hydraulic cylinder, and adjustable arm assembly, featuring a breakaway bolt mechanism and assist wheel, along with a hydraulic system including poppet type solenoid valves and check valves for automatic alternating operation, to manage loading and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single hydraulic valve is used to control both marker and implement raising/lowering, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost decreases, but the capability to independently control marker position during planting operations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control system is segmented into separate valves: a first hydraulic valve controls the marker raising/lowering while a second hydraulic valve controls the implement raising/lowering. This segmentation allows independent control of each function, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and operational versatility.
2Reliability
If markers are extended beyond the vehicle perimeter to create field markings, then marking effectiveness is improved, but vulnerability to damage from obstructions such as fences, trees, and boulders increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker system employs foldable arms that can dynamically change position between extended and retracted states. When obstructions are detected or during turning operations, the markers automatically retract to avoid damage, while extending to perform marking functions during straight-row operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively retracts markers before potential obstruction contact occurs during turning operations, preventing damage before it happens. This preliminary protective action eliminates the harmful effect of obstruction contact.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If markers are raised above ground during turning operations to prevent damage, then protection from obstruction damage is improved, but improper marking or failure to create row markings may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The marker system dynamically adjusts its state based on operational context: raised during turning operations to avoid obstructions, and lowered during straight-row operations to perform marking. This dynamic adaptation ensures both protection during turns and reliable marking during planting operations.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the implement is raised above ground during turning operations to prevent damage to ground or crops, then protection of field elements is improved, but planting operation continuity is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The control system separates marker operation from implement operation, allowing the implement to remain lowered and continue planting operations while only the markers are raised during turning. This segmentation maintains planting continuity while providing necessary protection.
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
The system effectively sustains loading, prevents damage from obstructions, and enables automatic and independent control of marker positions, enhancing operational safety and efficiency during turns.
Implementation Method 1
a double acting hydraulic cylinder pivotally connected to the marker shoulder pivot and connected approximately in parallel with the inner arm
Implementation Method 2
the bolt configured for breaking when the folding marker hits an obstruction creating a load condition on the bolt which exceeds a predetermined load value which breaks the bolt
Implementation Method 3
an assist wheel connected to the middle arm on the same side as the breakaway pivot
Implementation Method 4
a hydraulic system including poppet type solenoid valves
Implementation Method 5
check valves for automatic alternating operation, to manage loading and prevent damage
Data Source
AI summary
A folding marker for connection to an agricultural implement toolbar with a marker shoulder pivot, an inner arm and a double acting hydraulic cylinder both pivotally connected to the shoulder pivot. A middle arm bracket is pivotally connected to the inner arm and the cylinder. A middle arm is connected to the middle arm bracket, with two beams extending from the bracket and terminating at an outer arm pivot, with a third beam connected between the bracket and a crossbrace. An outer arm pivot bracket is pivotally connected to the outer arm pivot, an outer arm connected thereto and having two legs connected between the outer arm pivot bracket and a plate assembly. The legs define a channel therebetween, and an adjustable arm is slidably connected within the channel. An extension element is insertable within the channel and lockable with the plate assembly, with a marking element connected thereto.