Hydraulic Actuator Control for Balanced Agricultural Implement Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face limitations in transporting increased commodity weight, leading to soil compaction and uneven load distribution across tracks or wheels, which can cause excessive wear and damage.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes hydraulic actuators with sensors and control valves to prevent full extension during transport mode, allowing actuators to 'float' or 'walk' and distribute weight evenly across tracks or wheels, using hydraulic fluid sharing and control logic to maintain balanced pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the implement carries heavier loads to increase commodity capacity, then the transport capability is improved, but the soil compaction increases and load distribution becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by allowing the actuators to move dynamically between extended and retracted positions based on operational mode. During transport, the actuators are controlled to remain in a partially extended state rather than fully extended, enabling them to adapt to terrain variations and distribute load dynamically across the implement structure, thereby reducing soil compaction while maintaining heavy load capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of actuator extension by introducing a control system that limits actuator extension to a predetermined threshold position during transport mode. This parameter change prevents excessive extension that would concentrate load on fewer tracks or wheels, thus reducing soil compaction while still allowing the implement to carry heavy commodities
2Length of moving object
If the actuators are allowed to fully extend during transport mode, then the implement can reach maximum height, but the load distribution becomes uneven and tracks or wheels suffer excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by controlling the actuators to extend only to a predetermined threshold position during transport mode, rather than allowing full extension. This partial extension is sufficient to achieve the necessary height for transport while preventing excessive extension that would cause uneven load distribution and excessive wear on tracks or wheels, thereby improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where a sensor detects the position of the actuator or implement height and provides this information to a controller, which then adjusts the control valve accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the actuator stops extending at the optimal threshold position, preventing both insufficient extension and excessive extension that would cause damage, thus improving track or wheel durability
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
Enhances the ability to transport heavier loads while reducing soil compaction and extending the life of tracks or wheels by ensuring even load distribution and preventing excessive extension of actuators.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is configured to detect a target on the implement as the first and second actuators move towards their fully extended positions. As the sensor detects the target, an output signal is sent to trigger the control valve to block fluid therethrough
Implementation Method 2
during transport mode, hydraulic fluid flows between the first and second actuators such that the first or second actuator extends as the other retracts
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system (300, 400) for controlling an implement (100) that is movable between a work mode and a transport mode is disclosed. The control system (300, 400) comprising: a source of hydraulic fluid (308, 408); a first actuator (114, 316, 416) fluidly coupled to the source (308, 408), the first actuator (114, 316, 416) being movable between a retracted position and a fully extended position; a second actuator (116, 318, 418) fluidly coupled to the source (308, 408) and in parallel with the first actuator (114, 316, 416), the second actuator (116, 318, 418) being movable between a retracted position and a fully extended position; a sensor (204, 334, 436) for detecting a change in position of the first or second actuator (114, 316, 416, 116, 318, 418) between their retracted and fully extended positions; and a control valve (338, 440) disposed in communication with the sensor (204, 334, 436) and in fluid communication with the first and second actuators (114, 316, 416, 116, 318, 418); wherein, as the implement (100) moves to its transport mode, the sensor (204, 334, 436) detects the change in position of the first and second actuators (114, 316, 416, 116, 318, 418) towards their fully extended positions; wherein, the control valve (338, 440) inhibits movement of the first and second actuators (114, 316, 416, 116, 318, 418) before either actuator reaches its fully extended position. Furthermore, an agricultural implement (100) using such a control system (300, 400) is disclosed.