Automated Stack-Fold Planter Headland Turn Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of stack-fold planters face mental and physical fatigue, increased skill requirements, and a higher likelihood of errors during headland turns due to the need to simultaneously control gull wings, lift assist wheels, and bulk fill systems, which complicates the process and reduces efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An automated system that uses an electronic control unit (ECU) to receive hitch position signals from the tractor and control the lift wheel assembly and hydraulic fluid flow, allowing for automatic adjustment of the implement's position, including raising and lowering the bulk fill frame and gull wings, based on the tractor hitch position, reducing the need for simultaneous operator inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually controls gull wings, lift assist wheels, and bulk fill system simultaneously during headland turns, then the implement can be repositioned, but operator fatigue increases and error likelihood increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically controlling the gull wings, lift assist wheels, and bulk fill system based on GPS location data. The controller receives GPS signals, determines when the implement is at a headland turn, and automatically activates the appropriate components without requiring manual operator intervention, allowing the system to service itself during critical operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system. The controller substitutes for the operator's manual operations by receiving GPS data and automatically activating hydraulic systems for gull wing retraction, lift assist wheel deployment, and bulk fill system elevation, replacing human mechanical actions with automated electronic-hydraulic control
2Productivity
If multiple operations are controlled simultaneously during headland turns, then the implement can be repositioned, but the skill level required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by using GPS data to anticipate headland turn conditions before they occur. The controller continuously monitors location and proactively activates the gull wings, lift assist wheels, and bulk fill system in advance based on predetermined GPS coordinates, rather than waiting for manual operator detection of turn conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously receiving GPS location data and using it to determine when headland turn conditions exist. The controller processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the implement components accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to real-time positional feedback without requiring operator skill
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 automation reduces operator fatigue and error likelihood by simplifying the headland turn process, enhancing the stability and efficiency of the stack-fold planter during transport and field operations.
Implementation Method 1
an electric over hydraulic valve that controls hydraulic fluid flow from the hydraulic system to the lift wheel assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for automating some of the tasks that heretofore required operator action at headland turns or similar events are provided. The present invention automates operation of lift assist wheels and/or gull wings, such as those found on a stack-fold implement, based on the position of the tractor hitch to which the implement is coupled. An operator may control the position of the implement, such as at a headland turn, by raising and lowering the tractor hitch using a remote control. The invention enables the planter to compare the tractor hitch position relative to an implement position and control operation of the implement accordingly without additional user inputs.