Agricultural Implement Leveling via Independent Actuator Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current farm implements with large lateral spans face challenges in maintaining uniform and level tool contact with the soil due to hydraulic actuator synchronization issues and field conditions, requiring manual adjustments that decrease efficiency and speed.
Innovation Solution
A system with interconnected carrier frames and actuators, equipped with sensors and an electronic control unit, allows for independent adjustment and synchronization of each actuator to maintain a uniform position of soil-engaging tools relative to the soil, using displacement and rate of change signals to correct deviations in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If hydraulic actuators are connected in series to control depth of penetration, then the implement can operate with large lateral spans, but hydraulic fluid leakage causes actuators to become out of sync
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the implement into multiple independently controllable sections, each with its own actuator and control unit. This segmentation allows each section to be controlled individually, preventing synchronization issues that would affect the entire implement if one actuator fails or leaks.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are installed on each actuator to provide real-time feedback on actuator position and status to the electronic control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect and correct synchronization deviations automatically, maintaining reliable operation even when actuators are subject to leakage or field conditions.
2Reliability
If manual adjustments are made to synchronize actuator sections, then level positioning can be achieved, but operator dismounting and manual adjustment decrease efficiency and speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment through automatic control. The electronic control unit continuously monitors sensor data and automatically adjusts actuator positions to maintain level positioning, eliminating the need for operator intervention and manual adjustments during field operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The ECU uses sensor feedback to electronically control actuator movements, substituting the mechanical manual adjustment process with an automated electromechanical system that maintains positioning accuracy without requiring operator dismounting.
3Reliability
If implement is fully elevated to synchronize actuators through bypass flow, then actuator synchronization is restored, but additional operational steps decrease efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time sensor feedback allows the system to detect synchronization issues and correct them immediately during normal operation, eliminating the need to stop work and fully elevate the implement for synchronization. The continuous monitoring and adjustment process maintains synchronization without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization adjustments continuously during operation rather than waiting for synchronization to fail. The electronic control unit proactively makes small corrections based on sensor feedback, preventing the need for major corrective actions like full elevation later.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement having agricultural implement for supporting a plurality of gangs of disk blades extending generally laterally relative to a for travel direction. The implement has carrier frames pivotally connected to wheel assemblies for controlling the height of the carrier frames relative to the ground through hydraulic actuators acting on the wheel assemblies. A hydraulic control unit enables independent and individual control of each actuator through the use of three way valves that selectively connect or lock individual actuators.