Agricultural Implement Down Pressure Control System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements, particularly those with pivoting or trailing attachments, face challenges in maintaining consistent down pressure on tools during tillage and soil conditioning, leading to inadequate engagement with the soil due to weight distribution issues and ground impacts.
Innovation Solution
A pressurized fluid circuit system with a pressure control assembly is integrated into the implement, using hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders and valves to maintain constant down pressure on tools, ensuring consistent engagement and preventing over-pressure damage, and a tiered attachment configuration allows independent movement of leading and trailing frames to adapt to obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the weight of the main frame is used to provide down pressure to tools, then appropriate ground engagement is achieved, but the system cannot adapt to ground impacts and obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing static weight-based down pressure with a dynamic hydraulic system. The hydraulic cylinder can actively adjust the trailing attachment's position, allowing the system to adapt to ground impacts and obstacles while maintaining consistent down pressure on the tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulics by implementing a hydraulic circuit with a cylinder to provide controlled down pressure. This hydraulic system enables precise force application and adjustment, solving the contradiction between maintaining constant down pressure and adapting to varying ground conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pivoting wings are used to support tools, then transportability is improved, but consistent down pressure cannot be maintained during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a hydraulic cylinder to actively control the trailing attachment's position. This dynamic system can switch between transport position (reduced down pressure) and operational position (constant down pressure), resolving the contradiction between transportability and operational consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the trailing attachment to serve dual purposes: it can be positioned for efficient transport and then actively controlled to maintain consistent down pressure during operation. The hydraulic system enables the same attachment to fulfill both transport and operational requirements.
3Force
If heavier attachments are used to ensure ground engagement, then tool engagement improves, but the risk of damage from ground impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydraulics to provide controlled down pressure through a cylinder system. This allows maintaining adequate ground engagement force while avoiding the excessive weight that would increase impact damage risk. The hydraulic system can modulate force to match actual operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies feedback by using the hydraulic system to respond to ground conditions. The pressure control assembly adjusts down pressure based on operational feedback, maintaining consistent tool engagement while protecting against damage from unexpected ground impacts.
4Force
If fixed down pressure systems are used, then consistent tool engagement is achieved, but the system cannot independently adapt to obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a movable trailing attachment controlled by a hydraulic cylinder. This dynamic system can independently adjust to obstacles while the pressure control assembly maintains consistent down pressure on the tools, resolving the contradiction between consistency and adaptability.
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 soil conditioning by maintaining constant down pressure on tools, improving engagement and reducing the risk of damage from ground impacts, while allowing independent movement to navigate obstacles without disrupting tool contact.
Implementation Method 1
A pressurized fluid circuit may be configured to provide lifting or lowering force to the trailing attachment
Implementation Method 2
using hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders and valves to maintain constant down pressure on tools
Implementation Method 3
The pressure control assembly may include one or more pressure control valves, one-way valves, or one-way valves
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement and attachment are described for soil conditioning. The implement may include an implement frame, with the attachment configured to be towed by the implement frame. A pressurized fluid circuit may be configured to control one or more actuators, in order to provide lifting or lowering force to the attachment. The attachment may include a leading frame and a trailing frame, each configured to support a set of agricultural tools. The trailing frame may be mounted to the implement frame via the leading frame.