Segmented Down Force Control for Planter Row Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current supplemental down force systems for ground working implements, such as row crop planters, often apply the same amount of supplemental down force to all row units regardless of varying soil conditions, leading to inadequate penetration in firmer soils and excessive force in softer soils, as they rely on averaged soil reaction forces from a limited number of sensors.
Innovation Solution
A control system that groups row units into multiple groups based on measured soil reaction forces, applying different magnitudes of supplemental down force to each group to ensure that each row unit maintains a desired soil reaction force, with periodic reassignment as soil conditions change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the same supplemental down force is applied to all row units, then the system is simple to operate, but row units in firmer soils cannot achieve sufficient penetration while row units in softer soils receive excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments row units into multiple groups based on their soil reaction force measurements. Each group receives a different supplemental down force level, allowing tailored force application to different soil conditions while maintaining overall system simplicity through automated grouping
Solution Approach 2:
The supplemental down force is made dynamic by continuously monitoring soil reaction forces and periodically reassigning row units to different groups based on changing soil conditions. This allows the system to adapt to varying soil firmness across different rows and over time
2Strength
If supplemental down force is increased to help row units penetrate firmer soils, then penetration capability improves, but row units in softer soils experience excessive force and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different levels of supplemental down force to different groups of row units based on their specific soil conditions. Each group receives the appropriate force level for its soil type, ensuring sufficient penetration capability where needed while preventing excessive force damage in softer soils
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses load sensors to continuously measure soil reaction forces on each row unit and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically assign row units to appropriate groups and adjust supplemental down force levels, preventing both insufficient and excessive force application
3Device complexity
If the system uses averaged soil reaction forces from a limited number of sensors to control all row units, then the control system remains simple, but individual row units in varying soil conditions receive inappropriate force levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments row units into multiple groups based on their individual soil reaction force measurements from load sensors. Each group receives tailored supplemental down force based on its average soil conditions, improving measurement precision for individual rows while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated grouping algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from a single average soil reaction force value to multiple group-specific average values. This allows the controller to use sensor data more effectively by creating distinct control parameters for different row groups, improving the accuracy of force application without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A supplemental down force system for a ground working implement (10) is provided where the supplemental downforce system groups the row units (16A, ..., 16P) into at least two groups and provides a different supplemental down force (FD) to the row units (16A, ..., 16P) in each group. This enables the row unit (16A, ..., 16P) to have a supplemental down force (FD) closer to the desired down force (FD) recognizing that the row units (16A, ..., 16P) do not all operate in the same conditions. A controller (82) periodically regroups the row units (16A, ..., 16P) into the at least two groups and readjusts the down force (FD). Futhermore, a ground working implement (10) with such down force system and a method of operating a supplemental down force system is disclosed.