Planter Row Unit Fluid Control for Independent Multi-Actuator Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid control systems for agricultural planters require individual fluid supply to each actuator, which is inefficient and lacks a unified control mechanism for multiple actuators on a row unit.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control system that uses a common supply of fluid to actuate multiple actuators on an agricultural planter row unit, employing solenoid valves, multichannel control valves, and pressure sensors to manage fluid flow and pressure distribution across multiple actuators, allowing for centralized control and efficient force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual fluid supply is provided to each actuator, then each actuator can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and fluid distribution requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid control functions into a single multichannel control valve assembly. This single assembly integrates multiple control channels that can independently regulate fluid flow to different actuators, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining independent control capability for each actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The multichannel control valve assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can control fluid flow to multiple actuators through a single device. This universal component replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate valves, simplifying the fluid distribution system while preserving independent actuator control.
2Productivity
If a common fluid supply is used for multiple actuators, then fluid distribution efficiency improves, but pressure management and flow control become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flow control functions into the multichannel control valve assembly, which handles pressure regulation and flow distribution for multiple actuators through a unified structure. This integration simplifies pressure management compared to having separate control mechanisms for each actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The multichannel control valve assembly is segmented into multiple independent control channels, each capable of independently regulating fluid flow to specific actuators. This segmentation allows precise pressure and flow management for each actuator while using a common fluid supply, resolving the complexity of pressure control.
3Ease of operation
If multiple valves are used for each actuator, then precise control is achieved, but the number of components and potential failure points increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single multichannel control valve assembly. This integrated design reduces the total number of separate components and potential failure points while maintaining the precise control capability that would require multiple valves, thereby improving system reliability.
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 and centralized control of fluid flow to multiple actuators, optimizing force application and pressure management, thereby improving the operational efficiency of agricultural planters.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid control system includes a common fluid supply, a first solenoid valve in fluid communication with the common fluid supply, a second solenoid valve in fluid communication with the common fluid supply
Implementation Method 2
a first multichannel control valve arranged to receive fluid from the first solenoid valve and arranged to control fluid flow to a first actuator and a second actuator, a second multichannel control valve arranged to receive fluid from the second solenoid valve and arranged to control fluid flow to the first actuator and the second actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A fluid control system for supplying fluid to multiple actuators associated with different implements disposed on an agricultural planter row unit. A first one of the multiple actuators is associated with a first implement disposed on the agricultural planter row unit. A second one of the multiple actuators is associated with a second implement disposed on the agricultural planter row unit. The fluid control system controls fluid flow from a fluid source to each of the first and second actuators. In one embodiment, the fluid control system includes an inlet valve, an outlet valve and a pressure sensor, wherein the inlet valve is in fluid communication with the fluid source and the pressure sensor is disposed to measure fluid pressure in a fluid line in fluid communication with the inlet valve and each of the first and second actuators.