Seed Drill Row Unit Pressure Control for Consistent Drilling Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implements face challenges in achieving compact row units with precise drilling depth control, especially in volumetric feeding seed drills, requiring complex and costly solutions that are difficult to maintain and adjust during operation, especially when ground hardness varies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a row unit with a first actuator for setting ground pressure and a second actuator for adjusting the height position of gauge wheels relative to seed discs, using pressure sensors and control units to maintain optimal drilling depth, allowing for individual or group control of row units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional hydraulic systems are used to control agricultural implement operations, then the implement can be controlled during transport and operation, but the system complexity increases and transport speed is reduced due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hydraulic control system with an electronic control system. Sensors detect implement position and operational status, microprocessors process this data, and electronic signals control hydraulic valves and actuators. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages and manual control mechanisms while maintaining implement control capability throughout transport and operation phases.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required to activate implement operations during transport, then the implement can be controlled, but the transport speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically detects when the implement is in transport mode versus operational mode through sensor inputs (such as vehicle speed sensors, position sensors, or mode selection switches). The microprocessor automatically activates or deactivates implement operations based on these detections without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining transport speed while preserving control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor implement position, vehicle speed, and operational status. This feedback is processed by the control system to automatically adjust implement operations, enabling the implement to respond autonomously to changing conditions during transport and operation without manual activation.
3Ease of operation
If electronic control systems with sensors and microprocessors are implemented, then implement control during transport is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional electronic control system where a single integrated microprocessor unit performs multiple functions: processing sensor data, controlling hydraulic valves, monitoring implement status, and adapting to different operational modes. This universal controller consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated systems for each function, reducing overall complexity while maintaining precise control capability during both transport and operation.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
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AI summary
This document discloses an agricultural implement, comprising an implement frame (11), at least two row units (2a-2n), each comprising at least one seed furrow-opening arm (21) carrying at least one seed disc (22) and a depth-regulating arm (31) carrying at least one gauge wheel (32), a first actuator (71) actively arranged between the implement frame (11) and at least one of the seed furrow-opening arms (21 ) of the row units, for setting a ground pressure effected by the seed discs (22), and a second actuator (72) actively arranged between the implement frame (11 ) and at least one of the depth-regulating arms (31) of the row units, for setting the height position of the gauge wheels (32) relative to the seed discs (22). A pressure sensor (73), for sensing a pressure in the second actuator (72), and a control unit (74), which is arranged to control the first actuator (71) based at least partly on a signal from the pressure sensor.