Agricultural Implement Tool Depth Calibration via Frame Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face challenges in maintaining accurate penetration depth of ground-engaging tools due to soil forces compressing tires and altering the intended depth during tillage operations, leading to inconsistent seedbed preparation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a frame position sensor and controller to determine a correction factor based on the distance between the implement frame and the soil surface, adjusting the penetration depth value to calibrate the tool depth accurately across the field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ground-engaging tools are adjusted to penetrate soil to a specified depth on a hard level surface, then the initial penetration depth setting is accurate, but the penetration depth becomes greater than specified when the implement travels across the field due to soil forces compressing tires
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration of the penetration depth value before actual tillage operations by measuring the frame position on a hard level surface and establishing a baseline correction factor. This preliminary action accounts for the expected tire compression and frame movement that will occur during field operation, allowing the system to pre-adjust the penetration depth setting to compensate for anticipated deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors frame position during tillage operations using the frame position sensor and dynamically adjusts the penetration depth value based on real-time feedback. The controller compares actual frame position data against the calibrated baseline and applies correction factors to maintain consistent penetration depth despite varying soil forces and tire compression conditions.
2Productivity
If the implement travels across the field with ground-engaging tools penetrating soil, then tillage operation is performed, but the soil exerts downward force that compresses tires and increases penetration depth beyond specification
Solution Approach 1:
The controller receives continuous feedback from the frame position sensor during tillage operations and dynamically adjusts the penetration depth value to maintain specified depth control. This real-time monitoring and adjustment system allows the implement to perform efficiently while compensating for the downward forces exerted by soil on the ground-engaging tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the penetration depth parameter dynamically during operation based on frame position measurements. By adjusting this key parameter in response to varying operating conditions such as soil resistance and tire compression, the system maintains precise penetration depth control while sustaining productive tillage operations.
3Measurement precision
If a frame position sensor and controller system is implemented to calibrate penetration depth, then penetration depth accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical depth adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses a frame position sensor and controller to calculate and adjust penetration depth values. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic sensing and control reduces the need for complex mechanical adjustment devices while improving measurement and control precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for calibrating tool depth as an agricultural implement is moved across a field may include an implement frame and a ground-engaging tool supported on the implement frame, with the ground-engaging tool configured to penetrate soil present within the field to a penetration depth. Additionally, the system may also include a frame position sensor configured to capture data indicative of a distance between the implement frame and a surface of the field. Furthermore, a controller of the disclosed system may be configured to determine a penetration depth value of the ground-engaging tool based on a received input. Moreover, the controller may be configured to determine a correction factor based on the data captured by the frame position sensor. In addition, the controller may be configured to adjust the determined penetration depth value based on the determined correction factor to calibrate the penetration depth value.