Hydraulic Cylinder Volume Equalization for Subframe Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operational errors during the use of hydraulic systems in agricultural implements lead to incorrect positioning of subframes and ground-engaging tools, resulting in unsatisfactory tillage results and potential damage to the equipment, especially during transitions between different working areas like fields and headlands.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a hydraulic system where the main frame and subframe hydraulic cylinders are connected to allow automatic transfer between operating and transfer positions, eliminating the need for separate activation and ensuring accurate and repeatable positioning of subframes without operator intervention, thus preventing operational errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate hydraulic systems are used for main frame and subframe, then independent control is possible, but operational errors occur during position transfers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidhydraulic system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the main frame hydraulic cylinder and subframe hydraulic cylinder into a single integrated hydraulic system. The main frame hydraulic cylinder has its first chamber connected to the subframe hydraulic cylinder's first chamber, allowing one actuator to control both the main frame and subframe positions simultaneously, thereby preventing operational errors while reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hydraulic fluid connection as an intermediary between the main frame and subframe hydraulic cylinders. This fluid connection allows the hydraulic pressure and fluid flow from the main frame cylinder to automatically actuate the subframe cylinder, ensuring coordinated movement without requiring separate control operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If manual control of hydraulic cylinders is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but timing errors cause damage to equipment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment protectionVSAvoidautomatic positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by allowing the hydraulic system to automatically actuate itself. When the main frame hydraulic cylinder activates, the hydraulic fluid flow automatically triggers the subframe hydraulic cylinder without requiring separate manual intervention, thereby protecting equipment from timing errors while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If hydraulic fluid volume is not equalized, then subframe positioning is inaccurate, but increasing volume complicates the hydraulic system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubframe position accuracyVSAvoidhydraulic chamber configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the hydraulic parameter of fluid volume by designing the hydraulic chambers with equal volumes. The first chamber of the main frame hydraulic cylinder and the first chamber of the subframe hydraulic cylinder are configured to have identical volumes, ensuring accurate subframe positioning while avoiding the complexity of volume adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution ensures precise and automatic movement of the main frame and subframes, reducing wear and improving soil cultivation outcomes by eliminating the need for manual timing and depth gauge adjustments, thereby enhancing the quality of seedbed preparation.

Implementation Method 1

movement of the main frame from its transfer position into its operating position causes hydraulic fluid in the first chamber of the main frame hydraulic cylinder to be transferred into the first chamber of the first subframe hydraulic cylinder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid transfer: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11439053B2Agricultural implements for cultivating agricultural work areas

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

An agricultural implement for cultivating an agricultural work area includes a main frame which is transferable between an operating position and a transfer position. A first subframe is connected to the main frame, and the first subframe is transferable between an operating position and a transfer position. A main frame hydraulic cylinder and a first subframe hydraulic cylinder move the main frame and the first subframe between their corresponding positions. In order to provide correct and repeatable positioning of the first subframe hydraulic cylinder, a volume of a first chamber of the main frame hydraulic cylinder is substantially equal to a volume of the first chamber of the first subframe hydraulic cylinder when the first subframe is in its operating position.