Hydraulic Down-Pressure Control for Consistent Tillage Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tillage implements with multiple ground-engaging tools face challenges in setting and maintaining consistent depths, leading to inefficient performance and field finish due to time-consuming and inconvenient depth adjustments, especially when individual tools require different settings.
Innovation Solution
A tillage implement with a hydraulic down-pressure system that includes a pressure-reducing valve and blocking valve, allowing operators to manually set and maintain desired downward pressure on tillage tools, ensuring consistent depth settings and improved performance across varying soil conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ground-engaging tools are set independently to different depths, then each tool can be adjusted to specific depth requirements, but the depth setting becomes difficult and affects the performance of other tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic cylinders to provide automated down-pressure control on the tillage tools. The hydraulic system allows independent adjustment of depth for each tool or gang by controlling hydraulic pressure, eliminating the mechanical complexity and operational difficulty of manual depth setting while maintaining independent adaptability of each tool
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position setting to hydraulic pressure control. By using a hydraulic down-pressure system with controllable pressure, the depth of each tillage tool can be independently adjusted through pressure regulation rather than complex mechanical linkages, improving ease of operation while preserving adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If depth settings are adjusted manually, then flexibility to change depths is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic down-pressure system enables rapid depth adjustment by controlling hydraulic pressure flow to and from the cylinders. Operators can quickly change depth settings by adjusting hydraulic pressure valves rather than manually repositioning heavy tillage tools, significantly reducing the time required for depth-setting changes while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical depth-adjustment mechanisms with a hydraulic control system. This substitution allows depth changes to be made through hydraulic pressure control rather than direct mechanical manipulation, reducing the time and physical effort required while preserving the ability to adjust depths as needed
3Extent of automation
If hydraulic cylinders are used to adjust depth, then automated depth control is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic down-pressure system serves multiple functions: it provides automated depth control, maintains consistent down-pressure on tillage tools, and can be integrated with existing depth-control systems. By making the hydraulic system multi-functional, the patent justifies the added complexity through the consolidation of multiple control functions into a single system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic technology to achieve automated depth control through down-pressure application. The hydraulic cylinders connected to the tillage tools allow for precise and automated depth adjustment, reducing the need for complex mechanical linkages and manual adjustment mechanisms while providing consistent and reliable depth control
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
The hydraulic down-pressure system enables quick and consistent adjustment of tillage tool depths, enhancing operational efficiency and field finish by allowing precise control of downward pressure, thus addressing the inefficiencies in existing depth-setting methods.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic down-pressure system includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, the hydraulic cylinders extend between the frame and the left, center and right rock shafts and are configured to rotate the rock shafts. The plurality of hydraulic cylinders connect to the plurality of tillage tools through the rock shafts such that the plurality of hydraulic cylinders provide a downward pressure precharge on the tillage tools.
Implementation Method 2
the hydraulic down-pressure system includes a pressure-reducing valve configured to regulate a pressure in a secondary side of the hydraulic circuit
Implementation Method 3
The hydraulic circuit includes a blocking valve configured to isolate the pressure-reducing valve and hydraulic circuit from the hydraulic supply
Data Source
AI summary
A tillage implement has a frame with a center section and first and second outer wing sections hingedly attached the center section such that the wing sections can be operably raised and lowered between a field-working position and a transport position. The sections each carry tillage tools for working the soil. Controlling a precharge in a secondary side of a hydraulic circuit enables the operator of the implement to adjust the downward pressure precharge provided by a plurality of hydraulic cylinders based on a desired stiffness of the implement. A pressure-reducing valve is configured such that flow from the hydraulic supply applies downward pressure precharge on the plurality of tillage tools. Once this desired precharge has been achieved, flow from the hydraulic supply is shut off and a check valve holds the pressure such that the plurality of hydraulic cylinders holds the tillage tools in position.