Harrow Smoothing Tool Angle Control via GPS
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tillage implements require time-consuming and physically strenuous manual adjustments of harrow tine angles, which are often limited to only a few positions, making it difficult to achieve precise control over soil tilling and residue management during tilling sessions.
Innovation Solution
A control system integrated with a hydraulic system and a communications system that uses GPS and electronic maps to automatically adjust the angle of smoothing tools based on real-time geographic location and soil conditions, allowing for continuous adjustment during tilling sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual pin adjustment is used to change harrow tine angles, then the angle can be adjusted to different positions, but the process is time-consuming and physically strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pin adjustment system with an automated hydraulic system. The hydraulic actuator automatically positions the harrow tines at desired angles without requiring operators to manually remove and reinstall pins, thereby eliminating the time-consuming and physically strenuous adjustment process while maintaining angle adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic system enables the harrow to self-adjust its tine angle automatically based on operational requirements or operator input from the cab, without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using hydraulic pressure to move the tines into position, eliminating the need for operators to perform manual adjustment tasks
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual pin adjustment is used to change harrow tine angles, then the angle can be adjusted, but only about three positions are available which is overly limiting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static, discrete pin-position system to a dynamic, continuous hydraulic adjustment system. The hydraulic actuator can position the tines at any angle within its range of motion, providing continuous variability rather than fixed discrete positions. This enables precise control of the tine angle to match specific field conditions and operational requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pins are adjusted for each harrow section, then comprehensive angle control is achieved, but the number of adjustments required increases operator effort
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system serves multiple harrow sections simultaneously or individually through a centralized control mechanism. A single hydraulic control system can adjust multiple tines across different sections, eliminating the need for operators to separately adjust pins in each section. This multi-functional approach maintains section-wise control capability while dramatically reducing operator effort
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
Enables precise and efficient adjustment of harrow tine angles according to soil conditions, improving field leveling and residue flow by automating the process, reducing operator effort and increasing productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system configured to define an angle of the first set of smoothing tools for the tilling session
Implementation Method 2
a communications system configured to receive a present geographic location
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural tillage implement and method for adjusting the angle of smoothing tools of a harrow according to a present geographic location are disclosed. The agricultural tillage implement includes a main implement frame and a soil finish system having the harrow support in a trailing position with respect to the main implement frame for smoothing the soil tilled by ground-engaging tillage tools. A control system is configured to actuate a hydraulic system to define the angle of a first set of ground-engaging tillage tools in response to the percentage of plant residue at the present geographic location according to a stored electronic map.