Hydraulic Flow Divider for Synchronized Agricultural Depth Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines with larger working widths require synchronized actuation of multiple hydraulic cylinders for uniform depth adjustment across the width, but existing solutions are either complex, prone to failure due to dirt and pressure surges, or difficult to manufacture and adapt for different numbers of cylinders.
Innovation Solution
A multiple cylinder flow divider system with synchronously moving pistons, where multiple pistons are fixed on a common piston rod, creating annular chambers that experience precise volume changes, allowing for easy synchronization and adaptation to various numbers of actuating cylinders, and can be connected in different configurations to accommodate different machine types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If gear flow dividers are used for precise flow subdivision, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to sensitivity to dirt and pressure surges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using a pressure-sensitive bellows element that automatically adjusts flow distribution based on pressure differences. This hydraulic approach replaces the gear mechanism, providing dirt tolerance and pressure surge resistance while maintaining precise flow subdivision through the elastic deformation of the bellows element.
2Reliability
If pressure piston flow dividers are used for flow distribution, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple interconnected pressure pistons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pressure sensing functions into a single bellows element. Instead of using multiple interconnected pressure pistons, the bellows element responds to pressure differences across the entire system, automatically distributing flow to multiple actuators through a simplified single-point connection that maintains reliability while reducing complexity.
3Ease of operation
If master-slave cylinder arrangement is used to synchronize actuators, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to requiring cylinders of different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating principle from fixed dimensional ratios to dynamic pressure-based control. Instead of requiring master and slave cylinders to have specific dimensional relationships, the bellows element dynamically adjusts flow distribution based on real-time pressure conditions, allowing all actuators to use identical cylinders while maintaining synchronization.
4Adaptability or versatility
If progressive distributors are used for coordinated actuation, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to expensive and difficult manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the bellows element automatically senses pressure differences and adjusts flow distribution without external control mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex progressive distributor mechanisms, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and difficulty while maintaining the ability to coordinate multiple actuators flexibly.
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 system provides precise and reliable synchronization of actuation paths for multiple cylinders, is insensitive to dirt and pressure surges, and can be easily manufactured and adapted for different machine configurations, ensuring uniform depth adjustment across the working width.
Implementation Method 1
actuating variables used to control the various actuating cylinders must be coordinated
Implementation Method 2
fluid volume displaced by a master cylinder directly connected to the pressure source is transferred to a slave cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural machine with several adjustable working units, each of which can be adjusted by at least one actuating cylinder, wherein the actuating cylinders are connected to a hydraulic flow divider for coordinating the movements of the actuating cylinders. According to the invention, the flow divider is designed as a multi-cylinder comprising several pistons fixed on a common piston rod, which run in several axially fixed cylinder chambers and define annular chambers therein, wherein each actuating cylinder is connected to one of the aforementioned annular chambers of the multi-cylinder.