Ground-Engaging Tool Depth Control with Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face issues with fluid circuits in tillage operations due to leaks and valve sticking/jamming, leading to linkage deformation and damage, which affect the precision of soil penetration depth control.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural implement with a fluid-driven actuator and a blocking valve that is electrically energized or de-energized to control the flow of pressurized fluid, coupled with a linkage assembly and proximity sensor to prevent adjustment when the linkage is compressed, thereby reducing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves are used in the fluid circuit to control pressurized fluid flow, then the system can adjust soil penetration depth, but the valves are prone to leaks and sticking/jamming which cause linkage deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the conventional valve from the fluid circuit and replaces it with an electronically controlled fluid connector. This extraction of the problematic valve component eliminates the source of leaks and sticking/jamming issues while maintaining the ability to control pressurized fluid flow to the actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical valve system with an electronically controlled fluid connector that uses electrical signals to control fluid flow. This substitution eliminates the mechanical wear and sticking issues inherent in conventional valves while providing more reliable control.
2Measurement precision
If the fluid-driven actuator continuously adjusts soil penetration depth, then precise depth control is achieved, but the linkage assembly is susceptible to compression damage
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor detects the compressed position of the linkage assembly in advance, and the controller receives this signal before compression damage occurs. The system then proactively blocks fluid flow to the actuator, preventing the harmful compression action from occurring in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor provides real-time feedback on the linkage assembly position to the controller. When the sensor detects that the linkage is in a compressed position, it sends a signal to the controller, which then blocks fluid flow to the actuator, creating a feedback loop that prevents damage.
3Strength
If a blocking valve is added to prevent actuator adjustments during linkage compression, then linkage damage is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces what would be a mechanical blocking valve with an electronically controlled fluid connector that uses electrical signals to block or allow fluid flow. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while achieving the same protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronically controlled fluid connector acts as an intermediary between the controller and the actuator. It receives electrical control signals and translates them into appropriate fluid flow control, providing a simple interface that manages the protection function without adding complex mechanical components.
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 precision and durability of soil penetration depth control by preventing fluid-driven actuator adjustments when linkage compression is detected, minimizing damage and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-driven actuator for adjusting a soil penetration depth of the ground-engaging tool
Implementation Method 2
a blocking valve configured to be electrically energized and de-energized such that, when energized, the blocking valve permits the flow of pressurized fluid
Implementation Method 3
detecting, with the computing system, a presence of the linkage assembly when the linkage assembly moves into a detection range of a proximity sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling the operation of an agricultural implement includes a ground-engaging tool and a fluid-driven actuator for adjusting the soil penetration depth of the tool. Moreover, the system includes a linkage assembly coupled to the frame of the implement and configured to move when the soil penetration depth of the tool is adjusted. Furthermore, the system includes a fluid circuit for conveying a flow of pressurized fluid between the actuator and a fluid source. The circuit includes a blocking valve that blocks the flow of the fluid when activated to prevent the actuator from adjusting the soil penetration depth. Additionally, the system includes a proximity sensor configured to detect the presence of the linkage assembly when the linkage assembly moves into the detection range of the sensor. Moreover, the system includes a relay configured to activate the valve when the sensor detects the presence of the linkage assembly.