Leveler Actuator Control for Uneven Soil Ridge Settling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Soil ridges formed during tillage operations settle unevenly due to different soil types, leading to inconsistent field leveling, which existing tillage systems fail to address effectively.

Innovation Solution

An agricultural system with a computing system coupled to a leveler actuator and field sensors that adjusts the position of levelers based on soil type and measured field levelness to maintain defined soil levelness, ensuring consistent field leveling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional tillage implements are used to form soil ridges, then the field can be prepared for planting, but the ridges settle unevenly over time due to different soil types, leading to inconsistent field leveling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield leveling consistencyVSAvoidsoil ridge settling uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The leveler actuator dynamically adjusts the position of levelers based on real-time feedback from field sensors and soil data. The system continuously modifies the leveler configuration to compensate for uneven settling, transforming a static tillage system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing soil conditions over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The computing system receives data from field sensors about actual field levelness and compares it to desired levelness parameters. Based on this feedback loop, the system automatically adjusts leveler actuator positions to correct uneven settling, ensuring consistent field leveling despite variations in soil types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 3:

The system changes operational parameters (leveler position, actuator configuration) based on detected soil type variations. By identifying different soil types through sensors and adjusting leveler parameters accordingly, the system compensates for differential settling rates across various soil zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the leveler position is fixed during tillage operations, then the system is simpler to operate, but it cannot account for different soil types and their varying settling rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil type adaptationVSAvoidsystem control complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computing system automatically determines optimal leveler actuator positions based on soil data and field levelness measurements without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously adjusting leveler configuration in response to detected soil conditions, eliminating the need for operator expertise in soil mechanics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of levelers with an automated computing system that uses sensors and actuators. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with electronic control systems enables sophisticated soil type adaptation while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If manual adjustment of levelers is required for each soil type, then the system can adapt to different soil conditions, but the operation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleveling accuracyVSAvoidfield operation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual leveler adjustment with automated electronic control. Sensors detect soil types and field conditions, the computing system processes this data, and actuators automatically adjust leveler positions, eliminating manual intervention and significantly increasing operational speed while maintaining high leveling accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Real-time feedback from field sensors enables continuous monitoring and automatic adjustment of leveler positions. This closed-loop control system ensures high leveling accuracy by constantly comparing actual conditions with desired outcomes and making immediate corrections, all without manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250008861A1Systems and methods for an agricultural implement

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 CNH IND CANADA

AI summary

An agricultural system includes an implement including a frame assembly. A leveler is operably coupled with the frame assembly. A leveler actuator is operably coupled with the leveler and the frame assembly. The leveler actuator is configured to alter a position of the leveler relative to the frame assembly. A computing system is communicatively coupled to the leveler actuator and configured to receive soil data indicative of a soil type, receive levelness data indicative of a measured levelness of a field, receive a defined soil levelness, and determine a defined leveler actuator position based at least partially on the soil type, the measured levelness of the field, and the defined soil levelness.