Master-Slave Hydraulic Gang Angle Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for adjusting the gang angle of tillage equipment, such as field cultivators, face challenges in achieving accurate and synchronized control between opposite sides of the work machine, leading to inefficiencies in soil preparation and operation.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control system with a master-slave configuration, where each actuator has the same size and stroke length, and a gang linkage synchronizes the gang assemblies, allowing for precise angular adjustment of tillage tools relative to the frame, ensuring equal gang angles on both sides of the implement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic control systems are used to adjust gang angle from the operator's seat, then operator convenience and productivity are improved, but control accuracy and synchronization between opposite sides deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control system is segmented into master actuators on opposite side wing frames and slave actuators on the main frame. Each master actuator independently controls one side's gang angle, while slave actuators replicate this control on the opposite side, achieving both independent control and synchronized operation across the implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through gang linkages that mechanically connect opposite side gang assemblies. These linkages provide real-time positional feedback, ensuring that when one master actuator adjusts its gang angle, the corresponding slave actuator and opposite gang assemblies automatically synchronize to maintain equal gang angles across all sides.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent hydraulic actuators are used for each gang assembly, then individual control flexibility is improved, but system complexity and fluid distribution requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges hydraulic control by coupling master and slave actuators through gang linkages. This integration allows a single master actuator's movement to automatically drive the corresponding slave actuator and maintain synchronization across multiple gang assemblies, reducing the need for independent control mechanisms while preserving individual adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The master-slave actuator configuration provides multi-functionality: master actuators provide primary control input, slave actuators replicate this control on opposite sides, and gang linkages simultaneously synchronize multiple gang assemblies. This universal system handles both independent gang angle adjustment and synchronized operation across the entire implement.
3Device complexity
If traditional hydraulic fluid distribution systems are used, then system simplicity is improved, but fluid flow requirements and potential synchronization issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Gang linkages serve as mechanical intermediaries between master and slave actuators. These linkages transfer motion and force from master actuators to slave actuators and between opposite side gang assemblies, ensuring synchronized movement without requiring complex hydraulic fluid distribution networks. The linkages act as reliable mechanical mediators that guarantee equal gang angles across all sides.
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 system enables precise and synchronized control of gang angles, improving soil preparation efficiency and reducing operator effort by allowing infinite gang angle adjustment without the need to exit the cab, ensuring consistent performance across the implement.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic actuator for each gang assembly for operably controlling the angular adjustment of the gang assemblies
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement includes a transversely extending frame forming at least a first frame section, a second frame section, and a third frame section, where the first frame section is disposed between the second and third frame sections. A pair of elongated gang assemblies are on the first frame section, an elongated gang assembly is on the second frame section, and an elongated gang assembly is on the third frame section. Each of the gang assemblies is horizontally adjustable relative to the frame. An actuator for each gang assembly operably controls the angular adjustment of the gang assemblies, and a fluid source supplies fluid to the actuators. The actuator on the second frame section is a master actuator for one of the actuators on the first frame section, and the actuator on the third frame section is a master actuator for the other actuator on the first frame section.