Soil Cultivation Depth Control via Non-Contact Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tillage implements face challenges in maintaining consistent soil cultivation depth, especially on uneven terrain, leading to inefficient work results and increased fuel consumption due to unpredictable penetration depths.
Innovation Solution
A soil cultivation device equipped with a depth control system that utilizes non-contact distance sensors and a controller to adjust the engagement depth of ground tools, allowing for precise control and monitoring of the work area, thereby maintaining a desired depth and optimizing fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the tillage implement uses fixed depth settings without active control, then the device complexity is low, but the working depth consistency deteriorates on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where distance sensors continuously measure the actual working depth, and the control unit adjusts the tillage tool depth based on this feedback to maintain the desired working depth despite terrain variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical depth adjustment with an automated control system that uses electronic sensors and actuators to maintain depth, substituting human operation and simple mechanical linkages with an intelligent control system
2Reliability
If the tillage implement penetrates deeper to ensure adequate soil tillage, then the tillage effectiveness is improved, but the fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by adjusting the tillage depth to be exactly sufficient for effective soil cultivation without excessive penetration, using sensor feedback to determine the optimal depth that achieves tillage goals while minimizing energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the working depth parameter based on real-time sensor measurements and soil conditions, optimizing the depth to achieve effective tillage while minimizing fuel consumption by avoiding both insufficient and excessive penetration
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tillage implement maintains a fixed working depth, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to uneven terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed-depth system into a dynamic system that continuously adapts to changing terrain conditions, with the depth control device actively adjusting the tillage tool position based on real-time distance sensor measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from distance sensors to continuously monitor the gap between the tillage tool and ground surface, enabling the control unit to adapt the working depth to match actual terrain variations and maintain consistent cultivation quality
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 system ensures consistent and optimal soil cultivation depth, reducing fuel consumption and preventing excessive penetration, even on uneven surfaces, by continuously monitoring and adjusting the depth of intervention based on real-time data from sensors and tractor hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
The depth control device (20) includes at least one non-contact distance sensor (31, 32) and a control unit (50)
Implementation Method 2
The control system additionally uses height signals from a tractor's hydraulic system, which it receives via at least one input interface, to control the adjustable ground support device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a soil cultivation implement comprising a depth control device and at least one adjustable soil contact device. The depth control device includes at least a first non-contact distance sensor and a control unit. The control unit controls the at least one adjustable soil contact device, at least as a function of the distance sensor, in order to influence the working depth of at least one soil tool, and the first distance sensor is arranged in a rear region of the soil cultivation implement.