Reactive Row-Unit Ground Following With Adjustable-Frame Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face challenges in maintaining optimal ground following of row units due to changes in terrain and tire or track configurations, necessitating improved systems for controlling the adjustable frame to ensure consistent engagement with the soil.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing sensors and a controller to adjust the position of the adjustable frame relative to the main frame based on real-time feedback from various sensors, ensuring optimal ground following of row units by comparing actual and desired indicators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the adjustable frame is moved further from the row units to accommodate larger tires or tracks, then the tire/track size and location adaptability is improved, but the ground following control of row units deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system with sensors that detect the position of the adjustable frame and row units, providing real-time feedback to a controller. The controller adjusts the adjustable frame position based on this feedback to maintain optimal ground following, resolving the contradiction between frame relocation for larger tires and maintaining ground following control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the position of the adjustable frame relative to the main frame based on real-time terrain conditions and row unit position feedback. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to adapt to varying terrain while maintaining proper ground following, even with the pivot point relocated for larger tire configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the row units travel further in the vertical direction to maintain soil engagement on challenging terrain, then the terrain adaptability is improved, but the complexity of controlling the adjustable frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors monitor the vertical position of row units and the adjustable frame, providing continuous feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables automatic adjustment of the adjustable frame to maintain optimal ground following on varying terrain, improving terrain adaptability while managing control complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adjusts the adjustable frame position based on sensor feedback without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates to maintain proper row unit ground engagement on challenging terrain, reducing operational complexity while enhancing terrain adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and control systems are added to reactively control ground following, then the ground following precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors to measure the position of the adjustable frame and row units with high precision, providing feedback to a controller that automatically adjusts the frame position. This feedback control system achieves precise ground following while managing complexity through integrated automation and sensor-based measurement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of reactively controlling ground following of a row unit (116) of an agricultural machine (100) is disclosed. The method comprising: providing a main frame (102), an adjustable frame (108) coupled to the main frame and configured to pass over a portion of ground, and the row unit which includes a linking arm (118) coupled to the adjustable frame (108): determining (330) an actual ground following indicator (200) associated with an actual height of the row unit relative to the portion of ground; determining (332) a desired ground following indicator associated with a desired height of the row unit relative to the portion of ground; comparing (334) the desired ground following indicator to the actual ground following indicator; and adjusting (336) the actual ground following indicator toward the desired ground following indicator, which includes moving the adjustable frame from a first position relative to the main frame to a second position relative to the main frame based on the actual ground following indicator and the desired ground following indicator.