Remote Hydraulic Stabilizer Wheel Positioning for Tillage Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide towable agricultural tillage implements experience undesirable bouncing and deep digging during operation, requiring stabilizer wheels for damping and support, but manual adjustment methods are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to errors, necessitating a remote and automatic adjustment system.
Innovation Solution
A remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement using an electronic control unit, hydraulic positioning cylinder, and position sensor to automatically adjust stabilizer wheels in response to desired positions or tillage depth inputs, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment methods (turnbuckles or screw jacks) are used for stabilizer wheels, then the stabilizer wheels can be positioned, but the adjustment process is cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment systems (turnbuckles, screw jacks) with a hydraulic cylinder system controlled by an electronic control unit. The hydraulic cylinder uses fluid pressure to automatically position the stabilizer wheel, eliminating the need for manual cranking or turning operations and significantly reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic cylinder connected to the stabilizer wheel assembly to provide automated positioning. The hydraulic system uses pressurized fluid to extend and retract the cylinder, moving the stabilizer wheel to the desired position without manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation and reducing adjustment time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizer wheels are extended too far or press too hard against the ground surface, then bouncing and digging are reduced, but the lifting effect on the implement frame interferes with proper operation of tillage tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a position sensor that continuously monitors the stabilizer wheel position and provides feedback to the electronic control unit. The control unit processes this information and automatically adjusts the hydraulic cylinder to maintain the optimal position, ensuring the stabilizer wheel applies just enough pressure to reduce bouncing without creating excessive lifting effects that would interfere with tillage tool operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the stabilizer wheel position dynamic and adjustable during operation rather than fixed. The electronic control unit can modify the stabilizer wheel position in real-time based on operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize both stability and tillage tool performance by preventing excessive lifting effects while maintaining adequate damping.
3Ease of operation
If manual adjustment by operator or assistant is used, then stabilizer wheels can be positioned, but the process requires operator dismounting or assistant presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service positioning system where the electronic control unit automatically controls the hydraulic cylinder to position the stabilizer wheel based on inputs from the position sensor and operator commands. The system serves itself by automatically adjusting without requiring operator dismounting or assistant presence, simplifying the operational procedure while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment procedure with an automated electro-hydraulic system. The electronic control unit receives simple operator commands and autonomously controls the hydraulic cylinder to position the stabilizer wheel, eliminating the need for complex manual adjustment procedures and reducing operational complexity.
4Manufacturing precision
If stabilizer wheels are manually adjusted during setup and depth changes, then proper position can be achieved, but operator attention must be diverted from vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a position sensor to continuously monitor stabilizer wheel position and provide feedback to the electronic control unit. This closed-loop feedback system ensures precise positioning is maintained automatically during setup and depth changes, eliminating the need for operator intervention and allowing continuous attention to vehicle operation while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system performs self-adjustment during setup and operational depth changes without requiring operator attention. The electronic control unit monitors conditions and automatically positions the stabilizer wheel to the appropriate setting, maintaining precision while improving productivity by keeping the operator focused on vehicle operation.
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, precise, and error-reduced stabilization of tillage implements, allowing operators to adjust stabilizer wheels from the towing vehicle, improving operational stability and seedbed quality without diverting attention from vehicle operation.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic positioning cylinder operatively connected between the stabilizer wheel and the frame for extending and retracting to thereby lower and raise the stabilizer wheel to and from contact with the ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement for a towable agricultural implement utilizes an electronic control unit that receives an input signal indicative of a desired position of the stabilizer wheel, and/or a desired depth of penetration of tillage tools operatively attached to the front and rear of the implement frame, to automatically control a hydraulic positioning cylinder of the remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement to position and hold the stabilizer wheel at the desired position of the stabilizer wheel.