Agricultural Implement Tilt Control on Uneven Field Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional level sensing control systems for agricultural implements require human intervention and can introduce errors in achieving precise machine leveling due to the need for manual adjustments and difficulties in accurately measuring frame levelness over uneven terrain.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses sensors to detect baseline levels of a tow vehicle and implement, comparing these measurements to adjust the implement's level in real-time using actuators, with optional LIDAR for topographical data integration to ensure precise leveling across multiple frame sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If human intervention is used to mechanically adjust frames, then the system is simpler, but precision and accuracy of leveling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect frame levelness and actuators to automatically adjust the frames. This substitution eliminates human error while maintaining system functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system enables the implement to self-adjust its frame levelness automatically without human intervention. The system monitors its own state through sensors and makes corrections through actuators, achieving precise leveling while keeping the control logic centralized and manageable.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is required, then the system is easier to operate, but time consumption and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The implement automatically monitors and adjusts its own frame levelness without requiring operator intervention. This self-service capability eliminates time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors frame levelness and makes real-time adjustments, eliminating the intermittent nature of manual adjustments. This continuous operation ensures the implement maintains optimal levelness throughout operation, improving productivity without complicating operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If sensors and actuators are added for automatic control, then leveling precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to continuously detect frame levelness and feeds this information back to the control system, which then actuates adjustment mechanisms as needed. This closed-loop feedback control achieves precise leveling while managing complexity through systematic control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to manage multiple sensors and actuators through a unified control architecture that can handle various frame sections and adjustment types. This universal approach consolidates control functions, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision across multiple components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling tilt of an agricultural implement (100, 200, 300, 402, 502) being towed by a tow vehicle (400, 502) along a field is disclosed. The method comprising: providing a controller (512), a first sensor (406), a second sensor (408), and an actuator (122, 124, 132, 138, 144, 150, 218, 220, 320, 326, 520, 524, 528) coupled to the implement (100, 200, 300, 402, 502); detecting a baseline level of the tow vehicle (400, 502) with the first sensor (406) at a first location in the field, wherein the implement (100, 200, 300, 402, 502) is located at a second location in the field spaced rearward of the first location; determining when the implement (100, 200, 300, 402, 502) will be at the first location in the field; measuring an implement level of the implement (100, 200, 300, 402, 502) with the second sensor (408) once the implement (100, 200, 300, 402, 502) is at the first location; comparing the implement level to the baseline level with the controller (512); determining if the difference between the implement level and baseline level is within a tolerance range; and controlling the actuator (122, 124, 132, 138, 144, 150, 218, 220, 320, 326, 520, 524, 528) to adjust the implement (100, 200, 300, 402, 502) if the implement level is not within the tolerance range. Furthermore, a control system (500) for controlling a level orientation of an agricultural implement (100, 200, 300, 402, 502) being towed behind a tow vehicle (400, 502) is disclosed.,