Hydraulic Tool Angle Control for Agricultural Implements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements lack efficient systems to monitor and control the operating angle of ground-engaging tools during tillage operations, leading to variations in soil engagement and tillage effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulically-controlled subsystem with sensors and an implement control system that adjusts the operating angle of ground-engaging tools in real-time, using proportional and correction valves to synchronize the movement of multiple sections and ensure precise soil engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ground-engaging tools engage the ground at different angles, then the aggressiveness of the operation can be adjusted, but variations in soil engagement and tillage effectiveness occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hydraulically-controlled subsystem that dynamically adjusts the operating angle of ground-engaging tools during tillage operations. The system uses sensors to detect current angles and hydraulic actuators to modify angles in real-time, transforming static tool positioning into a dynamic, adjustable system that maintains consistent tillage effectiveness across varying field conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors coupled to the hydraulically-controlled subsystem to generate sensor signals indicative of current operating angles. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to continuously monitor tool angles and make precise adjustments to maintain desired operating parameters, ensuring consistent tillage effectiveness while allowing for intentional angle variations when needed
2Measurement precision
If a hydraulically-controlled subsystem with sensors is implemented to control tool angles, then operating angle precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulically-controlled subsystem serves multiple functions: it measures current operating angles via sensors, processes this information through a control system, and executes angle adjustments using hydraulic actuators. This multi-functional integration allows precise angle control without requiring entirely separate systems for measurement and adjustment, thereby managing complexity while achieving high measurement precision
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple sections of ground-engaging tools are synchronized, then tillage operation consistency is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the control of multiple tool sections into a single integrated hydraulically-controlled subsystem. By merging the measurement, control, and actuation functions for multiple sections into one coordinated system, the patent achieves synchronized operation across all sections while managing complexity through integration rather than through multiple independent control systems
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 ensures consistent and effective tillage operations by maintaining synchronized operating angles across multiple sections of ground-engaging tools, improving soil preparation and reducing operational errors.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to modify an operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to modify an operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools
Implementation Method 3
a sensor coupled to the hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools
Implementation Method 4
using proportional and correction valves to synchronize the movement of multiple sections
Implementation Method 5
using proportional and correction valves to synchronize the movement of multiple sections
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement includes a plurality of ground-engaging tools configured to modify a surface configuration of an agricultural field and a hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to modify an operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes a sensor coupled to the hydraulically-controlled subsystem configured to generate sensor signals indicative of a current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools. The agricultural implement also includes an implement control system configured to receive the sensor signals from the sensor to determine the current operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools, and, upon determining the current operating angle is to be changed to a new operating angle, generate control signals for the hydraulically-controlled subsystem to modify the operating angle of the plurality of ground-engaging tools from the current operating angle to the new operating angle.