Electronic Sensor Assembly for Harrow Smoothing Tool Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tillage implements require time-consuming and physically strenuous manual adjustment of harrow angles, limiting precision and efficiency in soil tilling and seedbed preparation, especially when multiple harrow sections need to be adjusted independently.
Innovation Solution
An electronic sensor system communicates with a hydraulic system to continuously monitor and adjust the angle of smoothing tools in real-time, allowing for infinite angle adjustments from the tractor cab, enhancing soil leveling and residue flow based on field conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pin adjustment is used for each harrow section, then the harrow angle can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and physically strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pin adjustment system with an electronic sensor system that communicates with a hydraulic system. The sensor continuously monitors the actual harrow angle and sends signals to automatically adjust the hydraulic cylinders, eliminating the need for manual pin removal and repositioning by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment through the sensor detecting the current angle position and automatically controlling the hydraulic actuation mechanism. The operator simply needs to input the desired angle in the tractor cab, and the system autonomously performs the adjustment without requiring manual intervention at the harrow sections.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual pin adjustment is used for each harrow section, then the harrow angle can be adjusted, but the complexity of adjustment increases with multiple harrow sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control system where a single sensor and control interface in the tractor cab manages all harrow sections simultaneously. The electronic sensor system and hydraulic control mechanism provide multi-functional capability to adjust multiple harrow sections with a single operation, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustments at each section.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the adjustment control for multiple harrow sections into a single integrated electronic-hydraulic system. Instead of treating each section independently with separate pin adjustments, the sensor and hydraulic cylinders combine the control functions, allowing simultaneous adjustment of all sections through one unified interface in the tractor cab.
3Ease of manufacture
If only three fixed pin positions are provided, then the adjustment is simple, but the angle control precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static system with fixed pin positions to a dynamic system where the harrow angle can be continuously adjusted. The electronic sensor continuously monitors the angle position, and the hydraulic system provides continuous actuation, enabling infinite angle adjustments within the operational range rather than being constrained to three discrete positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the angle parameter from discrete fixed values to continuous variable values. The sensor detects the actual angle position continuously, and the hydraulic control mechanism allows the angle to be varied smoothly across a range of values, providing precise angle control tailored to specific field conditions rather than being limited to predetermined positions.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural tillage implement is provided which includes an electronic sensor assembly supported by a harrow frame and in communication with a hydraulic system. The electronic sensor assembly includes a pivoting arm movable in conjunction with the movement of a first set of smoothing tools and is configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the angle of the first set of smoothing tools. The electrical signal is transmitted to a controller and/or an operator in the tractor cab for continuously monitoring the angle of the smoothing tools. The electrical signal is used to allow for the continuous adjustment of the smoothing tools during a tilling session.