Gauge Wheel Load Sensor Hydraulic Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural planters face challenges in accurately controlling the depth of opener devices due to noise interference from mechanical linkages in traditional strain gauge sensors, making it difficult to maintain consistent down pressure and adjust to varying soil conditions.

Innovation Solution

A control system using a gauge wheel load sensor that translates upward forces into fluid pressure, decoupling the sensor from mechanical linkages to reduce noise and accurately measure gauge wheel force, combined with a hydraulic control system that uses pulse width modulation to efficiently control down pressure based on soil hardness and moisture content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional strain gauge sensors with mechanical linkages are used to measure gauge wheel force, then the measurement system is mechanically coupled to the gauge wheel, but this causes noise interference and makes it difficult to maintain consistent down pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegauge wheel force measurement accuracyVSAvoidnoise interference from mechanical linkages

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical strain gauge sensors with a hydraulic pressure sensor system. The gauge wheel force is converted into hydraulic pressure through a piston-cylinder arrangement, eliminating mechanical linkages and their associated noise. The hydraulic fluid transmits the force signal without mechanical connection, providing cleaner measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces hydraulic fluid as an intermediary between the gauge wheel and the sensing system. The force from the gauge wheel is transmitted through the hydraulic fluid to the pressure sensor, acting as a mediator that decouples the measurement system from direct mechanical contact with the gauge wheel, thereby reducing noise interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If hydraulic control systems are used to control down pressure, then responsive control is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedown pressure control responsivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the hydraulic system, applying periodic control signals rather than continuous power. This allows the hydraulic actuators to be activated in pulses, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining responsive control capability when pressure adjustments are needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic system is designed to maintain pressure through self-regulating mechanisms, where the hydraulic circuit naturally maintains pressure equilibrium. The system only consumes energy when adjustments are required, and the hydraulic fluid itself serves as the pressure medium, eliminating the need for continuous energy input to maintain down pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If gauge wheel support arms pivot to follow terrain variations, then the planter adapts to soil conditions, but this creates mechanical noise that interferes with force measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptation capabilityVSAvoidmechanical noise from pivoting motion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical strain gauge sensors that are directly coupled to the pivoting gauge wheel support arms with a hydraulic sensing system. The hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement decouples the sensing mechanism from the pivoting motion, allowing the support arms to pivot freely for terrain adaptation while the hydraulic system provides stable, noise-free force measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10582653B2Agricultural planting system with automatic depth control

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A control system for controlling the depth of an opener device in an agricultural planter comprises a gauge wheel on a pivotably mounted support arm, a mechanical element coupled to the support arm to move in response to changes in the angle of the support arm, a sensor adapted to measure changes in the relative elevations of the opener device and the gauge wheel to produce an output signal representing the current relative elevations of the opener device and the gauge wheel, and a control device receiving the output signal from the sensor and producing a second output signal for maintaining the opener device at a selected elevation relative to the gauge wheel.