Intermediate Tank Layout for Agricultural Frame Downforce
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural machines face issues with insufficient downforce at the row units, particularly at sections of the frame laterally outward from the center, as they increase in size.
Innovation Solution
A commodity distribution system for agricultural machines that includes a frame with pivotable wing sections, intermediate tanks, and a controller that adjusts commodity distribution based on downforce and volume measurements to ensure adequate downforce at all row units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the agricultural machine increases in size (lateral length), then the productivity and coverage area are improved, but the downforce at the row units coupled to sections laterally outward from the center becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into a center portion and multiple laterally outward portions, with commodity tanks strategically positioned on different sections. This segmentation allows independent weight distribution control, enabling the machine to maintain adequate downforce at lateral row units while increasing overall lateral length for improved productivity.
2Force
If commodity is redistributed to intermediate tanks on lateral sections, then the downforce at lateral row units is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional tanks and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a dynamic control mechanism that automatically adjusts commodity distribution among tanks based on real-time downforce measurements from sensors. This dynamic adjustment simplifies operation by eliminating manual intervention while maintaining optimal downforce, effectively managing the complexity through automation rather than static mechanical designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors mounted on the frame measure downforce at various sections and provide feedback to the controller, which then adjusts manifold positioning to redistribute commodity. This closed-loop feedback system maintains adequate downforce at lateral row units while automatically managing the complexity of the multi-tank distribution system.
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
The system effectively provides additional downforce to row units by redistributing commodity and weight across the frame, ensuring consistent and efficient commodity delivery to the terrain.
Implementation Method 1
a first intermediate tank positioned on the first wing section of the frame and configured to receive commodity from the at least one central commodity tank; and a second intermediate tank positioned on the second wing section of the frame and configured to receive commodity from the at least one central commodity tank
Data Source
AI summary
A system for distributing commodity across an agricultural machine includes a product storage system, including a central commodity tank and a plurality of intermediate commodity tanks positioned at various locations laterally across a frame. The system includes a movable manifold coupled to the one central commodity tank, and the manifold is adjustable by a controller to control volume of commodity distributed to the intermediate commodity tanks. Each intermediate commodity tank distributes commodity to a separate plurality of row units, which distribute commodity to the soil. Operatively coupled to the controller are one or more sensors, which measure product characteristics, such as volume of commodity in the intermediate tanks, and operational characteristics, such as downforce of the row units. The controller is configured to adjust the manifold to control distribution of commodity across the intermediate tanks based on measured values from the sensors and desired values stored in the controller.