Reversible Plough Frame Pivot Actuator Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tractor attachments for cultivation plows lack efficient mechanisms for controlling swivel angle and position, leading to inefficiencies in plowing and transportation.

Innovation Solution

A cultivation plow attachment for tractors with a frame swivel factor and single-swing factor, combined with sensors and control circuits, allows precise control over the plow frame's rotation and position relative to the swivel axis, using hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders and electrically controlled valves to facilitate easier plowing and transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the plough frame is kept at maximum distance from the pivot axis for plowing, then plowing effectiveness is improved, but maneuverability during turning and transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplowing effectivenessVSAvoidmaneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plough frame's position relative to the pivot axis is made dynamically adjustable through a pivoting actuator that can change the distance between the ploughshares and pivot axis. The system transitions between a first position (maximum distance for plowing) and a second position (minimum distance for turning/transport), allowing optimal configuration for each operational phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If a detection device with shut-off valve is used for pivot angle control, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivot position detection accuracyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical detection devices with shut-off valves with a simplified sensor-based system. Electrical or hydraulic sensors detect the pivot position and send signals to a control circuit, which then actuates the pivoting actuator. This substitution of mechanical complexity with electrical/hydraulic control reduces overall system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the plough frame requires manual positioning for turning, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity during turning operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidturning operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic control where sensors detect pivot position and the control circuit automatically actuates the pivoting actuator to achieve the desired turning position. This self-service automation eliminates manual positioning requirements, significantly improving turning operation efficiency while maintaining reasonable system simplicity through the use of standard sensor and control circuit components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 plowing by optimizing the distance between the plow shares and swivel axis, improving maneuverability and reducing cross-loading during plowing and transportation.

Implementation Method 1

a pivoting actuator with which the plough frame can be moved around a pivoting axis transverse to the pivot axis into alignment with the pivot axis or away from the alignment with the pivot axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic or pneumatic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP4544890A1Hitch reversible plough for a tractor and method for controlling the same
Publication Date: 2025.04.30 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4544890A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4544890A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4544890A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a mounted reversible plow (1) for a tractor, comprising: - a mounting frame for attachment to a tractor, - a plow frame (2) for attaching plowshares, - a reversible frame connected to the plow frame (2) and rotatably mounted on the mounting frame together with the plow frame (2) about a pivot axis (S), - a frame pivot actuator (3) with which the plow frame (2) and/or the reversible frame can be rotated about the pivot axis (S), - a pivot actuator (4) with which the plow frame (2) can be moved about a pivot axis (E) transversely to the pivot axis (S) in alignment with the pivot axis (S) or away from alignment with the pivot axis (S), - wherein the mounted reversible plow (1) has an electrical or hydraulic sensor (5) for detecting a position of the plow frame (2) relative to the pivot axis (S). The invention further relates to a method for controlling a mounted reversible plow (1).