Reversible Plough Hydraulic Control for Front Furrow Width Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern mounted reversible plows require multiple hydraulic connections to the tractor for frame displacement control, limiting the number of available control units for other functions and resulting in reduced functionality and increased production and maintenance costs due to mechanical inaccuracies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a hydraulic frame displacement control system using an actuatable directional control valve with two switching positions, allowing for individual adjustment of the track width actuator or simultaneous adjustment of both the cutting width and track width actuators with a single connection to the tractor's pressure source, along with non-return valves to enhance accuracy and reduce leakage losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hydraulic frame displacement control with separate connections for track width actuator and cutting width actuator is used, then the actuators can be controlled independently, but the number of required control units increases to three

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent control of actuatorsVSAvoidNumber of control units
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control of the track width actuator and cutting width actuator through a common control unit with a directional control valve. The directional control valve has switching positions that enable either independent control or coupled control of both actuators using a single hydraulic connection to the tractor, thereby reducing the number of required control units from three to one.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to be dynamically switchable between two operating modes: a first switching position where the track width actuator and cutting width actuator are coupled and controlled together, and a second switching position where they can be controlled independently. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while using a single control unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control units are connected to the tractor, then all hydraulic functions can be controlled, but the number of available control units on the tractor is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveRange of hydraulic functionsVSAvoidNumber of hydraulic connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal control approach where a single control unit with a directional control valve serves multiple functions: it controls both the track width actuator and the cutting width actuator through different switching positions. This multi-functionality reduces the number of hydraulic connections required to the tractor, freeing up control units for other implement functions and increasing overall system versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a mechanical transmission is used for frame displacement control, then the number of control unit connections is reduced, but transmission inaccuracies prevent optimal adaptation of front furrow width

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNumber of connectionsVSAvoidAdjustment accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a hydraulic control system instead of mechanical transmission. The directional control valve directs hydraulic fluid to the track width actuator and cutting width actuator, providing precise and accurate control of the plow frame position and furrow width. This hydraulic approach eliminates the transmission inaccuracies associated with mechanical systems while maintaining a simple connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 reduces the hydraulic demands on the tractor, increases adjustment accuracy, and expands the range of implementable functions by allowing other hydraulic functions to utilize the freed-up control units, while minimizing production and maintenance costs.

Implementation Method 1

the frame displacement control (8) comprises an actuatable directional control valve (9) with at least two switching positions A, B

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid control: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

non-return valves to enhance accuracy and reduce leakage losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-return valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP3942909B1Mounted reversible plough
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 AMAZONEN WERKE H DREYER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3942909B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3942909B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A mounted reversible plough (1) with a mounting frame (2) for mounting on a tractor, a plough frame (4) which is arranged on the mounting frame (2) via a linkage (3), with plough bodies (6) pivotably arranged thereon, wherein the plough bodies (6) can be pivoted in their working width in an adjustable manner by means of a cutting width actuator (7), wherein the plough frame (4) can be adjusted and moved at least approximately parallel to the direction of travel (F) relative to the mounting frame (2) via the linkage (3) in the front furrow width adapted to the track width of the tractor by means of a track width actuator (5), wherein the track width actuator (5) can be controlled by means of a frame displacement control (8) to different stroke positions of the cutting width actuator (7) in order to achieve a front furrow width adapted to the working width.In order to create a mounted reversible plough (1) with improved frame displacement control (8) which has reduced requirements for the tractor, it is provided that the frame displacement control (8) includes an actuated directional control valve (9) with at least two switching positions, so that either the track width actuator (5) can be adjusted individually or the cutting width actuator (7) and the track width actuator (5) can be adjusted together.