Lifting Hitch Control for Consistent Row Unit Depth on Slopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural planting technologies struggle to precisely control the depth and position of seed placement due to variations in soil type, moisture, and terrain, leading to uneven crop growth.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a tractor with a lifting hitch and an implement frame, equipped with sensors to detect the position of row units relative to the ground, and a control system to adjust the implement frame's position and orientation based on these sensors, allowing for precise seed placement across varying terrain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional planting methods are used without active depth control, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but seed placement depth varies leading to uneven crop growth
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs sensors to detect the actual depth of seed placement and feeds this information back to the control system. The controller then adjusts the lifting hitch position based on this feedback to maintain the desired depth, resolving the contradiction by implementing precision control through closed-loop feedback without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the terrain information detected by sensors to automatically adjust its own operation parameters. The implement self-regulates its depth control based on real-time terrain conditions, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while achieving precise seed placement
2Productivity
If the implement operates on varying terrain without active adjustment, then the operation is simpler, but seed placement consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the implement frame position and orientation based on real-time terrain variations detected by sensors. The lifting hitch and implement frame are actively controlled to maintain consistent seed placement depth across varying terrain, achieving productivity improvement through dynamic adaptation rather than static operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical depth adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for operators to manually adjust mechanisms on varying terrain, maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving seed placement consistency and crop yield
3Measurement precision
If sensors and active control are added to the planting system, then seed placement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the lifting hitch position, adjusts the implement frame orientation, and maintains seed placement depth. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated control system rather than separate mechanisms, the patent achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a tractor comprising a lifting hitch, and an implement comprising an implement frame carried by the lifting hitch. The implement frame has an integrated elongate toolbar carrying at least one row unit. A sensor is configured to sense a position of the at least one row unit relative to the ground. A control system is configured to receive a signal related to the sensed position of the at least one row unit relative to the ground and cause the lifting hitch to raise or lower a portion of the implement frame connected to the lifting hitch relative to the tractor based at least in part on the signal. Control systems and related methods are also disclosed.