Seeding Tool Frame Leveling via Dual Height Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seeding tools face challenges in maintaining a consistent seed planting depth across varying soil gradients, as existing mechanisms cannot compensate for larger gradient changes, leading to inconsistent seed placement and potential yield reduction.
Innovation Solution
A seeding tool with a pivotable frame supported by a wheel, equipped with a plough assembly, height sensors, and a hydraulic actuator to adjust the frame's angle relative to the soil bed, ensuring the seed boot remains at the desired depth, even in the presence of soil gradients, using a fixed drawbar and actuators to level the frame based on front and rear height signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If individual seed boot assemblies are used to adjust for local variations in soil geometry, then local seeding depth accuracy is improved, but gradient changes along the elongate frame cannot be compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using height sensors (front and rear) to detect the actual position of the frame relative to the ground. The control unit processes this feedback information and adjusts the frame's angle via actuators to maintain the desired seeding depth, enabling compensation for gradient changes that individual seed boot adjustments cannot handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static frame structure into a dynamic, adjustable system. The frame's angle relative to the ground can be actively changed during operation through actuators, allowing the system to adapt to varying gradient conditions while maintaining consistent seeding depth across the entire frame width.
2Strength
If the frame is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then frame strength is improved, but the frame cannot adapt to gradient changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capability to the frame structure through actuators that can change the frame's angle relative to the ground. This allows the rigid frame to adapt to gradient changes without compromising its structural integrity, as the adjustment is controlled and reversible.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the frame adjustment function into separate controllable segments. The frame can be adjusted independently at different locations or as a whole, allowing localized adaptation to gradients while maintaining overall structural stability. The modular actuator system enables independent control of different frame sections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seed boot adjustment range is increased to cover larger gradient changes, then gradient compensation is improved, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system automatically determines the required adjustment amount based on actual height measurements, eliminating the need for manual calculation or complex mechanical adjustment ranges. The system calculates and applies the necessary angle changes to compensate for gradients, simplifying the adjustment mechanism while extending the compensation range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a control system that uses sensors, a control unit, and actuators. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity by using electronic control and feedback rather than relying on large-range mechanical adjustment components.
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
The solution effectively maintains the seed boot at the desired depth within a ±5 mm tolerance, compensating for both small and large gradient changes, thereby ensuring optimal seed placement and yield consistency.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator located between the fixed drawbar and the frame operable to adjust an angle between the fixed drawbar and the frame to level the frame relative to the soil bed
Implementation Method 2
a front height sensor attached to the front portion of the frame to provide a front height signal; a rear height sensor attached to the rear portion of the frame to provide a rear height signal
Data Source
AI summary
A seeding tool includes: a frame supported by a frame wheel so that the frame is pivotable about a wheel axis; a plough assembly attached to a rear portion of the frame and including a seed boot for planting seeds in a soil bed at a desired depth; a fixed drawbar hingedly attached to a front portion of the frame so that the drawbar is pivotable about a drawbar axis that is parallel to the wheel axis; a front height sensor attached to the front portion of the frame to provide a front height signal; a rear height sensor attached to the rear portion of the frame to provide a rear height signal; and an actuator located between the fixed drawbar and the frame operable to adjust an angle between the fixed drawbar and the frame to level the frame relative to the soil bed based on the front and rear height signal.