Automated Hydraulic Air Purge Sequence for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex hydraulic systems in agricultural tillage implements are inefficient in bleeding air, making it time-consuming and unreliable for operators to purge air from these systems, especially with the increasing complexity and size of machines.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using controllers and pre-defined air purge routines to automate the sequence of hydraulic valve operations, ensuring consistent and efficient air removal from the hydraulic subsystems, including main frame and wing section lift hydraulic cylinders and bypass circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional manual valve cycling is used to bleed air from hydraulic systems, then operators can remove air from the system, but the process becomes time-consuming and unreliable as hydraulic system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with a predetermined sequence of valve operations that must be performed in a specific order to effectively purge air from the hydraulic system. This preliminary programming eliminates the need for operators to manually determine the correct sequence, ensuring consistent and reliable air removal while reducing the time required for the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of valve cycling with an automated electro-hydraulic control system. The controller automatically actuates valves according to the predetermined sequence, substituting human operation with an automated control mechanism that is both faster and more reliable, especially as hydraulic system complexity increases.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic systems are made more complex to handle larger agricultural implements, then more functions are available, but air bleeding becomes more difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it not only purges air from the hydraulic system but also can control other hydraulic functions of the agricultural implement. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle increased complexity while maintaining ease of operation, as the same control device manages both air removal and operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing manual valve cycling with automated controller actuation, the system makes air bleeding easier to perform regardless of hydraulic system complexity. The controller automatically manages the complex sequence of valve operations, freeing operators from the burden of manually navigating complex hydraulic circuits.
3Reliability
If operators manually cycle valves to bleed air, then some air can be removed, but operator error frequently occurs in the sequencing process
Solution Approach 1:
The correct valve sequencing is predetermined and programmed into the controller before operation. This preliminary action of pre-planning the sequence eliminates the need for operators to figure out the complex sequencing during actual air purging, ensuring reliable and error-free operation even as the number of valves and circuits increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically tracks the state of each valve and progresses through the predetermined sequence, providing implicit feedback control. This ensures that each valve is actuated in the correct order and at the appropriate time, preventing operator errors that would occur in complex manual sequencing scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural machine or implement has a main frame section and at least one wing section, each having lift cylinders. A main shank frame may be pivotally attached to the main frame section and may have hydraulically adjustable gauge wheels. Wing shank frames may be pivotally attached to the wing sections and may also have hydraulically adjustable gauge wheels. Bypass circuits may be used to individually adjust the lift cylinders and gauge wheel cylinders. A controller or controllers is used to purge air from the lift cylinders, gauge wheel cylinders, cylinders used to raise the shank frames for transport, and from the bypass circuits. The purge routine may be selectable as individual steps, hydraulic subsystem purges, or as one automatic purge routine.