Adjustable Row-Unit Frame Control for Ground Following

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural machines face challenges in maintaining optimal ground following by row units due to changes in terrain and tire or track configurations, necessitating improved systems for controlling adjustable frames to ensure consistent engagement with the soil.

Innovation Solution

A method involving sensors and a controller to determine and adjust the position of an adjustable frame relative to a main frame based on actual and desired ground following indicators, using actuators to optimize the height of row units relative to the ground.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the adjustable frame is moved further from the row units to accommodate larger tires or tracks, then the machine can use larger tires or tracks for improved mobility, but the ground following capability of the row units deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistance from pivot point to row unitsVSAvoidground following capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to detect the actual ground following indicator and compares it to a desired value, then automatically adjusts the adjustable frame position through actuators to maintain optimal ground following despite the increased distance from the pivot point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable frame is made dynamically adjustable relative to the main frame, allowing real-time repositioning to compensate for the increased distance and maintain proper ground following characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the row units are allowed to travel further in the vertical direction to maintain soil engagement on challenging terrain, then the adaptability to terrain changes improves, but the stability of the adjustable frame deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterrain adaptabilityVSAvoidframe stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The control system continuously monitors the ground following indicator and provides feedback to the actuators, enabling the frame to dynamically adjust its position to maintain stability while adapting to varying terrain conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts the frame position based on sensor input without requiring manual intervention, allowing the machine to self-regulate and maintain optimal performance across different terrains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12588577B2Ground following optimization with position control systems and methods

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An agricultural machine includes a main frame, an adjustable frame coupled to the main frame and, a row unit which includes a linking arm coupled to the adjustable frame, and an actuator coupled to the main frame and the adjustable frame. The agricultural machine also includes a controller configured to command the actuator to move to various positions based on signals received from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors are configured to measure one more indicators associated with an actual height of the row unit relative to ground.