Planter Row Unit Fluid Control for Multi-Actuator Pressure Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural planter systems require separate fluid control for each actuator, which is inefficient and lacks a unified solution for supplying fluid to multiple actuators associated with different implements on a row unit.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control system that uses a common fluid supply to actuate multiple actuators, employing solenoid valves, multichannel valves, and pressure sensors to manage fluid flow and pressure distribution across multiple actuators, allowing for simultaneous control of various implements on an agricultural planter row unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate fluid control is used for each actuator, then each actuator can be controlled independently, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluid control functions into a single integrated fluid control system. This single system includes a fluid supply, solenoid valves, and multichannel valves that work together to control multiple actuators simultaneously, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining independent control capability for each actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control system is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can supply fluid to multiple different actuators associated with various implements. The system uses multichannel valves that can direct fluid flow to multiple actuators, allowing one control system to perform the functions of multiple separate control systems.
2Device complexity
If a common fluid supply is used for multiple actuators, then system complexity is reduced, but pressure distribution and flow control to each actuator becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that monitor fluid pressure at different points in the system. This feedback information is used by the control system to adjust solenoid valve and multichannel valve operations, ensuring uniform pressure distribution to all actuators despite variations in actuator position, size, or fluid flow requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid control system uses dynamically adjustable solenoid valves and multichannel valves that can rapidly change their flow characteristics in response to real-time conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain precise pressure and flow distribution to multiple actuators simultaneously, adapting to changing operational requirements of different implements.
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
This solution enables efficient and centralized fluid management, allowing for optimized operation of multiple actuators with reduced complexity and increased efficiency, enabling uniform pressure control across multiple implements on the row unit.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid control system may include a fluid supply, solenoid valves, multichannel valves, and pressure sensors
Implementation Method 2
The fluid control system may include a fluid supply, solenoid valves, multichannel valves, and pressure sensors
Data Source
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.