Hydraulic Control Apparatus for Foldable Agricultural Implement

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic systems for foldable agricultural implements are complex and lack efficient control mechanisms, leading to increased complexity and reduced space in the operator cab, as well as potential unintentional movement during transport.

Innovation Solution

A hydraulic control apparatus using electronically controlled valves to manage weight transfer and folding/unfolding of wing sections, with a single remote control for sequencing functions, including preventing unintentional movement by locking out hydraulic fluid flow when in transport position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate hydraulic control systems are used for different functions (weight transfer, folding/unfolding, ground engaging tools), then each function can be controlled independently, but the overall system complexity increases and more control interfaces are required in the operator cab

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional control capabilityVSAvoidhydraulic system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple hydraulic control functions (weight transfer, folding/unfolding, ground engaging tool control) into a single integrated hydraulic control system. The single remote control unit interfaces with a centralized hydraulic control apparatus that manages all hydraulic circuits, reducing the number of separate control interfaces while maintaining full functional capability across all implement operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate hydraulic control systems are used for different functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the space required in the operator cab for control interfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional control capabilityVSAvoidoperator cab space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple control interfaces into a single remote control unit that operates all hydraulic functions. This merging of controls significantly reduces the space required in the operator cab, as one integrated control station replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate control interfaces distributed throughout the cab

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If conventional hydraulic control systems are used without sequencing control, then all functions can operate simultaneously, but unintentional movement may occur during transport position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidtransport position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a sequencing control system that performs preliminary actions in a predetermined order. Before allowing ground engaging tool operations, the system first ensures the implement is in the correct position (folded/unfolded). The single remote control sequences hydraulic circuit activation to prevent unintentional movement during transport by controlling the order in which different hydraulic functions can operate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sequencing control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and state of implement components. Based on this feedback, the system enables or disables specific hydraulic functions appropriately, ensuring that ground engaging tools cannot operate unintentionally during transport while maintaining full operational capability when in working position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Simplifies the hydraulic control system, reduces complexity, and ensures safe and controlled transport by preventing unintentional implement movement, while allowing efficient operation in both field and transport positions.

Implementation Method 1

A hydraulic control apparatus comprised of electronically controlled hydraulic valves for a foldable farm implement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid flow control: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

A first hydraulic control system is used to control weight transfer to the ground engaging tools mounted to the stationary and wing frame sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic force generation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

A second hydraulic system is used to fold and unfold the wing sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic force generation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS8176992B2Electronically controlled hydraulic system for an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2012.05.15 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

A hydraulic control apparatus for a foldable farm includes first hydraulic control system is used to control weight transfer to ground engaging tools mounted to a stationary and foldable wing frame sections. A second hydraulic system is used to fold and unfold the wing sections. A hydraulic control is provided that interfaces with both hydraulic systems to control sequencing of the functions provided by the first and second hydraulic systems. The first and second hydraulic systems have electronically controlled valves to control the flow of hydraulic fluid to various lifting, folding, and down pressure cylinders.