Planter Depth Control via Down Force Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current planter technology requires operators to frequently leave the cab to adjust row unit depth, especially on larger planters, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and existing electric actuators for depth control are too large and draw high amperage, making them impractical for use in existing row units.
Innovation Solution
A planter depth control system that uses an electric actuator with a gauge wheel depth control linkage, where the down force is adjusted by an actuable device such as an air bag, allowing for reduced amperage draw and smaller actuator size, enabling depth adjustments within existing space constraints without the need for additional power provisioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing electric actuators are used for depth control, then depth adjustment capability is achieved, but the actuator size becomes too large and amperage draw becomes too high for existing row units
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the depth control function into two separate components: a down force control device (air bag or hydraulic actuator) that applies vertical force to the row unit, and a smaller electric actuator that only needs to move the gauge wheel linkage. This segmentation allows the electric actuator to be much smaller since it doesn't need to overcome the full down force, only move the linkage against reduced resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The down force control device is activated first to reduce or eliminate the down force on the row unit before the electric actuator moves the gauge wheel linkage. This preliminary action creates favorable conditions for the electric actuator to operate with reduced amperage draw and smaller size, as it only needs to move the lightweight linkage without fighting against soil resistance and row unit weight.
2Productivity
If larger planters with more row units are used to cover more acreage, then productivity increases, but the time required for depth adjustments increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service depth adjustment by allowing the operator to control row unit depth from the cab using electronic controls, eliminating the need to manually leave the cab and physically adjust each row unit. The electric actuators automatically position the gauge wheels based on operator input or automated control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment system is replaced with an automated electro-mechanical system. Electric actuators replace manual hand wheels and linkages, enabling depth adjustment to be controlled electronically from the cab rather than requiring physical manual operation at each row unit location.
3Device complexity
If manual depth adjustment is used, then device complexity is low, but operational efficiency decreases due to frequent cab exits
Solution Approach 1:
The down force control device serves multiple functions: it controls the vertical position of the row unit, enables automated depth adjustment, and works in conjunction with the electric actuator to provide precise gauge wheel positioning. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle both force control and positioning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The down force control device acts as an intermediary between the row unit weight and the electric actuator. By controlling the down force applied to the row unit, it creates optimal conditions for the electric actuator to move the gauge wheel linkage, mediating between the heavy row unit and the small actuator to enable efficient depth adjustment.
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
Enables efficient depth adjustments with a maximum current draw of less than eight amps, allowing smaller electric actuators to fit within existing row units, reducing the need for additional power equipment and improving operational efficiency by allowing depth adjustments from the cab.
Implementation Method 1
a first device coupled to the upper portion and configured to provide an adjustable down force
Data Source
AI summary
A row unit, including a frame with an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a parallel linkage, the lower portion having a gauge wheel depth control linkage, the gauge wheel depth control linkage coupled to plural gauge wheels; a first device coupled to the upper portion and configured to provide an adjustable down force; and an electric actuator coupled to the gauge wheel depth control linkage, the electric actuator configured to provide adjustable positioning of the gauge wheels.