Remote Hydraulic Stabilizer Wheel Positioning for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide towable agricultural tillage implements experience undesirable bouncing and deep digging during operation, particularly when turning or maneuvering, due to the hinged joints and flexibility in their frames, which complicates the adjustment of stabilizer wheels for proper support and depth control, often requiring manual and time-consuming adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an electronic control unit to remotely and individually control hydraulic positioning cylinders for stabilizer wheels, allowing for automatic adjustment based on desired positions and tillage depth, enabling simultaneous and precise positioning of multiple stabilizer wheels without the need for an assistant or stopping the towing vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizer wheels are extended too far or press too hard against the ground surface, then bouncing and digging are reduced, but the lifting effect on the implement frame interferes with proper operation of the tillage tools and degrades seedbed quality
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer wheel positioning system uses hydraulic cylinders with control valves to dynamically adjust the position and ground contact pressure of stabilizer wheels. The system allows real-time modification of stabilizer wheel extension and pressure to maintain optimal balance between stability and tillage tool operation without requiring manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of stabilizer wheel position and ground contact force through hydraulic actuation. By controlling hydraulic fluid pressure and flow to the positioning cylinders, the system dynamically adjusts stabilizer wheel parameters to match varying field conditions and tillage depths.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment methods are used for stabilizer wheels, then positioning can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires an operator's assistant standing on the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms (hand wheels, levers) with an automated hydraulic positioning system controlled by electronic controls. The system uses hydraulic cylinders actuated by control valves to automatically position stabilizer wheels, eliminating the need for manual ground-level adjustments by operators or assistants.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer wheel positioning system is self-regulating through hydraulic feedback mechanisms. The system automatically maintains desired stabilizer wheel position and ground contact pressure without requiring continuous operator intervention, allowing the implement to adjust and maintain optimal settings autonomously during field operations.
3Productivity
If stabilizer wheels are not adjusted in response to depth changes, then setup is simplified, but tillage depth control and implement performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic positioning system serves multiple functions: it positions stabilizer wheels, maintains optimal ground contact pressure, compensates for depth changes, and provides implement stability control. This multi-functional system integrates into the existing hydraulic architecture of the tillage implement, allowing coordinated control of multiple functions through a unified hydraulic control mechanism.
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 allows for efficient, remote, and automatic adjustment of stabilizer wheels, reducing operator time and error, ensuring optimal tillage performance by maintaining consistent depth and reducing bouncing, all while allowing on-the-fly adjustments without diverting the operator's attention from vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a system utilizing an electronic control unit to remotely and individually control hydraulic positioning cylinders for stabilizer wheels
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (128) and method for remotely and individually controlling a plurality of remotely positionable stabilizer wheels (46L, 46R) of a towable agricultural implement (10) utilize an electronic control unit (100) that receives an input signal (120) indicative of a desired position of the stabilizer wheel, and/or a desired depth of penetration of tillage tools (18, 20) operatively attached to the front and rear of the implement frame (16), to automatically and individually control a plurality of hydraulic positioning cylinders (42L, 42R) for individually positioning and holding the plurality of stabilizer wheels at the desired position of the stabilizer wheels.