Gauge Wheel Force Feedback for Row Unit Penetration Depth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural row units face challenges in maintaining consistent penetration depth and gauge wheel contact force due to manual adjustments, leading to undesirable soil compaction or reduced penetration depth caused by varying soil conditions.

Innovation Solution

A penetration depth control and gauge wheel contact force monitoring system that includes a penetration depth actuator and contact force sensor to adjust the gauge wheel's position relative to the frame, integrating a controller to manage downforce actuators based on soil properties for precise seed deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the downforce actuator applies higher force to increase penetration depth, then the penetration depth is improved, but the soil becomes undesirably compacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration depthVSAvoidsoil compaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a contact force sensor that continuously monitors the force applied by the gauge wheel to the soil surface and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the downforce actuator based on this feedback to maintain optimal penetration depth while preventing excessive soil compaction. This closed-loop control enables dynamic adaptation to varying soil conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic automated control. The penetration depth actuator and downforce actuator can continuously adjust their positions and forces in real-time based on sensor feedback and controller decisions, allowing the system to adapt to changing soil conditions throughout the field.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the downforce actuator applies lower force to reduce soil compaction, then soil compaction is reduced, but the gauge wheel may not contact the soil surface, reducing penetration depth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil compactionVSAvoidpenetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The contact force sensor provides continuous feedback on the gauge wheel's contact force with the soil. The controller uses this feedback to maintain force within an optimal range that ensures soil contact for proper penetration depth while preventing excessive compaction. This enables the system to operate in a safe zone between insufficient contact and excessive compaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the contact force sensor to monitor its own operation and automatically adjusts the downforce actuator to maintain optimal performance. The controller processes sensor data and makes real-time adjustments without external intervention, enabling the system to self-regulate penetration depth and prevent both insufficient contact and excessive compaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual control is used to adjust the downforce actuator, then the system complexity is reduced, but the penetration depth consistency deteriorates due to changing soil conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidpenetration depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a contact force sensor that continuously monitors gauge wheel contact force and feeds this data back to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts the downforce actuator based on this feedback to maintain consistent penetration depth across varying soil conditions, replacing manual control with automated closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated electronic control. The controller, contact force sensor, and actuator work together as an automated system that electronically monitors and adjusts penetration depth, eliminating the need for manual intervention while improving consistency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12484472B2Penetration depth control and gauge wheel contact force monitoring system for an agricultural row unit

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A penetration depth control and gauge wheel contact force monitoring system for a row unit includes a penetration depth actuator configured to drive a gauge wheel arm assembly to move a gauge wheel relative to a row unit frame to control a penetration depth of an opener of the row unit. The penetration depth actuator includes a contact force sensor configured to output a sensor signal indicative of a contact force between the gauge wheel and a soil surface, the penetration depth actuator includes a body configured to be coupled to one of the frame or the gauge wheel arm assembly, the penetration depth actuator includes an actuating device configured to be coupled to the other of the frame or the gauge wheel arm assembly, and the actuating device is configured to move relative to the body to drive the gauge wheel arm assembly to move the gauge wheel.