Pressure-Based Control for Agricultural Implement Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current position or height-based electro-hydraulic control systems for agricultural implements lack precise pressure control, which can lead to inefficiencies in ground-engaging tool operations, such as inconsistent depth control across the implement's width.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-based control system that utilizes a location-determining receiver to receive positioning signals, a correction receiver to determine a corrected geographic location, and an electronic data processor to correlate this location with operating pressure data, controlling an adjustment device to provide precise pressure to the ground-engaging tool, enabling adaptive pressure adjustments based on location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position or height-based electro-hydraulic control systems are used, then control for agricultural implements is provided, but precise pressure control is lacking leading to inconsistent depth control
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from position/height-based control parameters to pressure-based control parameters. By measuring the actual pressure in the hydraulic circuit and comparing it with target pressure values stored in memory, the system achieves precise depth control through pressure regulation rather than position feedback, directly resolving the contradiction between control precision and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the actual pressure sensor continuously monitors hydraulic pressure and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit compares actual pressure with target pressure from stored data and automatically adjusts the hydraulic flow accordingly, ensuring consistent depth control across the implement width through closed-loop pressure regulation
2Reliability
If pressure-based control is implemented, then precise and adaptive pressure control is achieved, but system complexity increases with additional sensors and processors
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives pressure sensor signals, retrieves target pressure data from memory based on implement position, compares actual versus target pressure, and controls the hydraulic valve. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate components into a single integrated control unit, maintaining reliability while managing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores target pressure data in memory beforehand, organized by implement position. During operation, the control unit automatically retrieves the appropriate target pressure value based on current position without requiring manual input or complex real-time calculations, enabling the system to self-regulate pressure based on pre-stored operational parameters
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an agricultural implement is disclosed. The agricultural implement includes a ground-engaging tool and an adjustment device. The adjustment device is coupled to the ground-engaging tool. The control system includes a location-determining receiver. The location-determining receiver is configured for receiving positioning signals. A correction receiver is in communication with the location-determining receiver and configured for receiving correction signals and determining a corrected geographic location of the ground-engaging tool. A data storage device is configured for storing operating pressure data referenced to geographic location data of the ground-engaging tool. An electronic data processor is in communication with the correction receiver and the data storage device and configured for receiving the corrected geographic location, correlating the corrected geographic location with the operating pressure data, and controlling the adjustment device to provide operating pressure to the ground-engaging tool.