Agricultural Frame Control System for Consistent Penetration Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements with depth adjustment mechanisms for ground engaging tools face significant variations in penetration depth due to soil surface irregularities, leading to reduced effectiveness of tillage operations.
Innovation Solution
A frame control system that includes sensors and actuators to precisely control the position and orientation of the main frame and sub-frame relative to the soil surface, ensuring consistent target penetration depths for ground engaging tools by emitting and receiving signals to adjust their height and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual depth adjustment mechanisms (turnbuckles) are used to control penetration depth, then the structure remains simple and easy to operate, but the penetration depth varies significantly due to soil surface variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors detect the actual penetration depth of ground engaging tools and send signals to a controller. The controller compares the actual depth with the target depth and automatically adjusts the frame position via actuators to maintain consistent penetration depth, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity by introducing automated feedback control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment (turnbuckles) with an automated electromechanical control system. Sensors, controllers, and actuators work together to automatically maintain penetration depth without manual intervention, substituting simple mechanical systems with more complex but precise automated control systems
2Manufacturing precision
If fixed frame height is used to maintain target penetration depth, then the system remains simple, but soil surface variations cause significant penetration depth deviations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors penetration depth through sensors and automatically adjusts frame height to maintain target depth despite soil surface variations. This feedback mechanism ensures precise penetration depth control without requiring complex manual operation, as the system self-regulates
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting penetration depth deviations and correcting them through actuator-controlled frame position changes. This eliminates the need for continuous manual monitoring and adjustment, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving precise depth control
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 enhances the effectiveness of tillage operations by maintaining consistent penetration depths, reducing variations and improving soil engagement, thereby enhancing the overall agricultural operation.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor coupled to a sub-frame of the agricultural implement and directed toward a soil surface, wherein the sensor is configured to emit a first output signal toward the soil surface and to receive a return signal indicative of a height of the sub-frame above the soil surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A frame control system for an agricultural implement (10) includes a first sensor (62) coupled to a sub-frame (41) of the agricultural implement (10) and directed toward a soil surface (30). The first sensor (62) emits a first output signal (66) toward the soil surface (30) and to receive a first return signal indicative of a first height of the sub-frame (41) above the soil surface (30). The system also includes a first sub-frame actuator (84) configured to be coupled to the sub-frame (41) and to a main frame (14). The first sub-frame actuator (84) is configured to control a first position of the sub-frame (41) relative to the main frame (14) along a vertical axis (25). The system includes a controller (104) configured to control the first sub-frame actuator (84) such that a difference between the first height and a target height is less than a threshold value.