Inter-row Machine Sensor Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of inter-row machines must constantly monitor and manually adjust the tractor's travel direction and working unit swing to ensure optimal operation between rows, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The inter-row machine is equipped with a system that automatically corrects the position of its working units using electromagnetic sensors and hydraulic jacks, adjusting their rotation and translation based on angular displacement to maintain optimal alignment with the rows, allowing for timely and precise operation without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually monitors and adjusts the tractor's travel direction and working unit swing, then the machine can perform corrections, but the operational efficiency decreases and time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The machine performs self-correction by using sensors to detect deviations and automatically actuating hydraulic jacks to adjust working unit positions, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and maintaining continuous optimal operation without stopping or slowing down
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the position of working units and probe elements, feeding this information to a control system that automatically adjusts the hydraulic jacks to maintain optimal alignment with rows, creating a closed-loop control system
2Reliability
If the operator constantly monitors the work performed, then timely corrections can be made, but the operator's attention and manual intervention are required
Solution Approach 1:
The machine autonomously monitors its own working unit positions through integrated sensors and automatically corrects deviations without requiring operator supervision, allowing the operator to focus on other tasks or simply observe the operation
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated electromechanical system comprising sensors, control electronics, and hydraulic actuators that work together to detect and correct position deviations automatically
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 solution enables the machine to operate autonomously and efficiently, ensuring timely corrections and maintaining optimal alignment between rows, reducing the need for continuous operator supervision and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic sensor of a known type and in a forward position, encounters the stem of a plant or any other obstacle
Implementation Method 2
each provided with its own hydraulic jacks for transverse translations
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-row machine, of the type used to work laterally to the travel path of the tractor by which it is towed or pushed, during the treatment of the land in espalier orchards or vineyards, having one or two working units, each preceded by a probe element which actuates, at each obstacle to be avoided, a known (hydraulic, pneumatic or electric) device for movement transversely to the travel path and to the row. The encounter of each probe with the obstacle to be avoided causes the rotation of the tool of the corresponding working unit—so that the translation of the latter, which is transverse to the travel path of the tractor, is directly proportional to the angular displacement performed by the tool and reported by an electromagnetic sensor to the electronic controller of the machine.