Double-Acting Row Unit Hydraulics for Consistent Seed Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural row crop planters face challenges in maintaining consistent seed depth and force across varying soil types and obstructions due to the limitations of traditional mechanical spring systems and air bag systems, which are not adaptable to rapid changes in soil conditions and require independent adjustment of each row unit.

Innovation Solution

A double acting hydraulic cylinder system with a manifold and pressure control valve is implemented, allowing for manual or automatic adjustment of up and down force on each row unit, enabling rapid response to soil conditions and obstructions by using a double acting cylinder with separate chambers for up and down forces, controlled by electrically actuated valves and a control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mechanical spring systems are used to provide down force, then the system is simple in structure, but the system cannot adapt rapidly to changing soil conditions and obstructions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to soil conditionsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical spring systems with a hydraulic actuator system that uses fluid pressure to provide down force. This substitution enables rapid adaptation to changing soil conditions through hydraulic pressure control while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of standardized hydraulic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a hydraulic actuator system where fluid pressure is used to generate and control the down force on row units. The hydraulic system allows for rapid and precise adjustment of force levels in response to varying soil conditions, overcoming the limitations of mechanical spring systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Ease of operation

If air bag systems are used to provide down force, then the down force is more uniform, but the system cannot respond rapidly to in-cab controls due to large volume requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of down forceVSAvoidresponse speed to control changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a hydraulic actuator system that provides uniform down force distribution while enabling rapid response to control changes. The hydraulic fluid transmission allows for quick pressure adjustments without the large volume delays inherent in air bag systems, achieving both uniformity and speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If each row unit is equipped with independent force adjustment capability, then the system can respond independently to local conditions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent row unit responseVSAvoidnumber of control components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the hydraulic control system into segmentable units where each row unit can have independent control capability. This segmentation allows each row unit to respond independently to local soil conditions while using standardized hydraulic components that minimize overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 system provides precise and instantaneous adjustment of force to each row unit, allowing for consistent seed depth and efficient operation across different soil conditions and obstructions, improving planting efficiency and reducing unplanted areas.

Implementation Method 1

A double acting hydraulic cylinder system with a manifold and pressure control valve is implemented, allowing for manual or automatic adjustment of up and down force on each row unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS11224153B2Agricultural implement and row units including double acting actuator systems, methods, and apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 KINZE MFG INC

AI summary

Agricultural planting implements, as well as other ground-engaging implements, can utilize supplemental force assemblies to provide up and/or down force at the row or rows of the implements. The force can be used to overcome changing field conditions, obstructions, as well as changing particulate amounts and weights carried by the rows of the implements, and the implement itself. The up force can be set at system pressure, or can include control valves at each of the row units to control the amount of up force provided. The down force can be controlled by control valves at each of the row units, and can be used to overcome the up pressure or provide a designated amount of down force to the row.