Hydraulic Remote Control Sequencing for Foldable Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic systems for foldable agricultural implements are complex, leading to increased control interfaces and reduced space in the operator cab, and lack efficient mechanisms for sequencing functions like weight transfer, folding, and unfolding, which complicates transport and operation.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control apparatus with a single remote control system that sequences the functions of weight transfer to ground engaging tools and folding/unfolding of wing sections, disabling corresponding cylinders to prevent unintended movements during transport and ensuring proper positioning of ground engaging tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate hydraulic control systems are used for weight transfer and folding functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the overall system complexity increases and more control interfaces are required in the operator cab
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hydraulic control functions (weight transfer control and folding/unfolding control) into a single integrated hydraulic control system. The single hydraulic control unit manages both the first hydraulic system for weight transfer and the second hydraulic system for folding operations, reducing the number of separate control interfaces while maintaining independent control capability through sequential operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single hydraulic control is designed with multi-functionality to operate both the first hydraulic system for weight transfer and the second hydraulic system for folding/unfolding. This universal control interface replaces multiple specialized controls, simplifying the operator cab layout while preserving all necessary control functions through a unified system.
2Ease of operation
If multiple control interfaces are provided for different hydraulic functions, then each function can be controlled precisely, but the space required in the operator cab increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control interfaces for weight transfer and folding functions are merged into a single hydraulic control unit. This consolidation reduces the physical space required in the operator cab while maintaining precise control over each function through the integrated system's sequential operation capabilities.
3Device complexity
If hydraulic systems operate independently without sequencing control, then system design is simpler, but unintended movements can occur during transport and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic control system incorporates sequencing control that performs preliminary actions in the correct order: it first controls the folding/unfolding of wing sections before enabling weight transfer to ground engaging tools. This preliminary sequencing prevents unintended movements by ensuring that structural components are properly positioned before operational functions are activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor the state of wing sections and ground engaging tools, automatically sequencing hydraulic operations to prevent unintended movements. The control system responds to system state information by enabling or disabling specific hydraulic functions, ensuring safe operation during transport and field work.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic control apparatus for a foldable farm implement has a first hydraulic control system is used to control weight transfer to a plurality of ground engaging tools mounted to stationary and wing frame sections of the farm implement. A second hydraulic system is used to fold and unfold the wing sections for placing the implement in a compact position for transport and storage. 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.