Agricultural Implement Orientation Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
It is challenging to accurately and efficiently adjust the orientation of agricultural implements, such as cultivators and sowing machines, while in use, especially for drivers in the front cab of the traction vehicle, due to difficulties in detecting incorrect settings and maintaining a horizontal orientation during field cultivation or sowing.
Innovation Solution
A method that records and calculates orientation values using sensors while the implement travels, adjusts positions based on derived mean values, and activates actuators to maintain a predetermined orientation range, ensuring the implement remains horizontal, even when moving in patterns like rows or circles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If spirit levels or similar devices are used to measure the orientation of the agricultural implement, then measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the implement has to remain still on a horizontal surface which is difficult to achieve during field work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical spirit level devices with electronic orientation sensors (such as accelerometers or gyroscopes) that can continuously measure orientation during movement. This substitution allows the implement to be monitored while in motion, eliminating the need to stop on horizontal surfaces and making the system easier to operate during actual field work.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation measurement is made continuous during the implement's travel through the field, rather than requiring intermittent static measurements. The control unit continuously receives orientation data from sensors and can make real-time adjustments, ensuring the implement maintains correct orientation throughout the entire working process without interruption.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of the agricultural implement orientation is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to the time and effort required for orientation correction
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously receives orientation data from sensors and compares it against desired orientation parameters. When deviations are detected, the system automatically sends control signals to actuators to correct the orientation, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains optimal implement orientation without manual intervention and maximizes productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The agricultural implement performs its own orientation adjustment automatically through the integrated sensor-control-actuator system. The implement monitors its own orientation status and self-corrects without requiring external manual adjustment, freeing the operator to focus on other tasks and improving overall field work efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If orientation sensors and automatic control systems are added to the agricultural implement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives and processes data from orientation sensors, calculates orientation deviations, determines required adjustments, and sends control signals to actuators. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves automatic orientation control without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the orientation sensing, data processing, decision-making, and actuation functions into an integrated control system. The control unit merges multiple operations (measurement evaluation, calculation, and control signal generation) into a single coordinated system, reducing the complexity that would arise from separate independent components for each function.
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 method simplifies the adjustment process, allowing for automatic correction of the agricultural implement's orientation, ensuring even working depth and sowing patterns, reducing the need for manual intervention and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The orientation sensor can be any form of angular position sensor, such as a gyroscope for example... Said orientation value can be recorded as an angular value based on gravitational direction
Data Source
AI summary
This document sets out a method of adjusting an agricultural implement's orientation. The method comprises recording, while the agricultural implement is travelling, a series of orientation values corresponding to the orientation of the agricultural implement in at least one vertical plane, calculating a derived orientation value based on said series of values and, if the derived orientation value is outside a predetermined range, adjusting a mutual position relationship between at least two parts of the agricultural implement that can move relative to each other.