Volumetric Metering Speed Compensation via Tilt Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional work vehicles face challenges in maintaining accurate commodity application rates due to terrain inclines, as existing metering systems do not adequately compensate for changes in slope, leading to inconsistent seeding or fertilizing performance.

Innovation Solution

A volumetric metering system that includes sensors to detect terrain tilt conditions and a control system to adjust the actuation speed of the metering element, ensuring consistent application rates by correlating tilt conditions with target speeds and application rates through stored datasets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional metering systems operate at fixed speeds, then the system structure remains simple, but the application rate becomes inconsistent on inclined terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication rate consistencyVSAvoidmetering system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The metering element speed is made dynamically adjustable based on detected terrain tilt conditions. The control system varies the actuation speed of the metering element according to the tilt angle, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing terrain conditions to maintain consistent application rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect terrain tilt conditions and feed this information back to the control system. The control system then adjusts the metering element speed based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop control system that continuously maintains accurate application rates despite terrain variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If the metering element speed is adjusted to compensate for terrain tilt, then application rate accuracy improves, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication rate accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to detect terrain tilt conditions and feeds this information back to the control system, which automatically adjusts the metering element speed. This feedback mechanism enables precise application rate control while automating the compensation process, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical speed adjustment mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors and processors to automatically adjust the metering element speed. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control simplifies the overall system architecture while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If fixed-speed metering is used, then the system is easier to operate, but terrain variations cause inconsistent commodity application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommodity application consistencyVSAvoidsystem operation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The metering system automatically compensates for terrain tilt variations without requiring operator intervention. The sensors detect terrain conditions and the control system autonomously adjusts the metering element speed, allowing the system to serve itself and maintain consistent application rates across varying terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic feedback control system continuously monitors terrain tilt conditions and adjusts the metering element speed accordingly, eliminating the need for manual speed adjustments by the operator. This maintains ease of operation while achieving consistent commodity application on varied terrain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures precise and consistent application of commodities across varying terrain, maintaining the desired application rate even on inclined surfaces, thereby improving seeding and fertilizing operations.

Implementation Method 1

detecting, with a sensor as the work vehicle moves, a tilt condition of the volumetric metering system relative to a reference horizontal plane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10575457B2Commodity metering system with speed compensation based on machine tilt and methods for operating the same

Publication Date: 2020.03.03 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A method of operating a volumetric metering system for a work vehicle includes detecting, with a sensor as the work vehicle moves, a tilt condition of the volumetric metering system relative to a reference horizontal plane. The method also includes generating, by a processor, a control command for a metering element based, at least partly, on the detected tilt condition. Furthermore, the method includes varying an actuation speed of the metering element according to the control command. A system for this method is also disclosed.