Agricultural Implement Depth Calibration via Actuator Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seed drills face challenges in maintaining precise sowing depth due to wear and tear of disc tools, which affects the diameter and subsequently the sowing depth.
Innovation Solution
A method for calibrating the working depth of agricultural implements, involving an output unit with a ground-engaging tool, a gauge wheel, and an actuator to control ground pressure or gauge wheel position. The method includes transferring load between the tool and gauge wheel, recording parameters indicating force and position, and assigning changes in force to corresponding positions to determine the zero point for setting the working depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If disc tools are used for a long period, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to wear reducing disc diameter and affecting sowing depth
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration method is performed in advance during setup or maintenance periods, establishing a reference relationship between actuator position and sowing depth before actual sowing operations begin. This preliminary calibration creates a lookup table or calibration curve that compensates for disc wear effects throughout the operational period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual sowing depth and compares it with the desired depth, then adjusts the actuator position accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously compensates for disc wear, maintaining precise sowing depth control even as the disc diameter decreases over time.
2Measurement precision
If a calibration method is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing structural components (gauge wheel, actuator, linkages) serving dual purposes: their primary mechanical function and their secondary function as sensors or indicators for calibration. The gauge wheel's position, already part of the mechanical depth control system, is used to provide feedback signals for calibration without requiring entirely separate sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing components are designed to perform multiple functions. The actuator serves both to mechanically adjust the gauge wheel position for depth control and to be controlled by the calibration system based on sensor feedback. The gauge wheel既是 a mechanical depth-setting component maupun a reference for calibration measurements.
3Reliability
If load transfer between tool and gauge wheel is performed, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to calibration process duration
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration process focuses on measuring and correcting only the specific parameter that has changed due to wear (the relationship between actuator position and sowing depth), rather than performing a complete system recalibration. This partial calibration approach maintains reliability for the critical depth measurement while minimizing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration is performed during scheduled maintenance intervals or setup phases before actual sowing operations begin. By performing this calibration action in advance, the time it takes is not lost during productive sowing operations, and the calibration data is ready for immediate use, ensuring reliability without impacting operational time.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A method is disclosed for calibration of the working depth of an agricultural implement (1) for distributing granular material to the ground over which the agricultural implement is travelling. The agricultural implement (1) has an output unit (17) comprising a ground-engaging tool (173) for forming a furrow, a gauge wheel (174), and at least one actuator (183) for controlling the position of the gauge wheel (174) relative to the tool. The method comprises placing the agricultural implement (1) on a ground surface that is level and sufficiently hard for the tool (173) not to penetrate into the ground surface, wherein a load from the output unit (17) bears on one of tool (173) and gauge wheel (174), using the actuator (183) to transfer the load to the other of tool (173) and gauge wheel (174), registering a first parameter of the actuator (183) while the load is being transferred, which first parameter indicates a force on the actuator (183), registering a second parameter for the gauge wheel (174) in relation to the tool (173) while the load is being transferred, which second parameter indicates a relative vertical position between the gauge wheel (174) and the tool (173), identifying a change of the first parameter that occurs when the load is transferred, and assigning the change to a value of the second parameter. The document also discloses an agricultural implement for distributing granular material,