Soil Cultivation Implement Parallelism Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural soil tillage implements require manual adjustment of the parallelism between the front and rear frame segments to ensure proper alignment with the soil, which can lead to undesirable work results and uneven tool wear due to operator error or limited visibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of sensor arrangements on the front and rear frame segments to monitor and automatically adjust the alignment of the frame segments relative to the ground, using tactile and non-contact sensors to determine and maintain parallelism, with a control unit controlling the pivoting device to align the segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual adjustment of parallelism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and work quality deteriorate due to operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic parallelism adjustment through a feedback control system. Sensors (first sensor arrangement on the front frame segment, second sensor arrangement on the rear frame segment) continuously detect the ground distance and calculate the parallelism deviation. The control unit processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the rear frame segment's position via the pivoting device to maintain parallel alignment with the ground, eliminating operator error while preserving relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The tillage implement performs self-adjustment of parallelism without requiring operator intervention. The system uses its own sensors and control mechanisms to automatically detect alignment deviations and correct them through the pivoting device, enabling the device to service itself and maintain precise parallelism autonomously.
2Device complexity
If manual monitoring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to operator fatigue and limited visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic feedback control system continuously monitors the parallelism status through sensor arrangements and reliably maintains alignment without being affected by operator fatigue or visibility conditions. The control unit processes sensor data and automatically commands the pivoting device to correct any deviations, ensuring consistent and reliable parallelism maintenance throughout operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated control system. Instead of relying on operator perception and manual manipulation, the system uses sensors to detect ground distance, calculates parallelism deviation, and automatically actuates the pivoting device through hydraulic or electric actuators controlled by the control unit, significantly improving reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If automatic parallelism adjustment is implemented, then manufacturing precision and work quality improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves consistent tillage quality through automatic feedback control. Sensors mounted on the front and rear frame segments measure ground distance continuously, the control unit calculates parallelism deviation from these measurements, and the pivoting device automatically corrects alignment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures uniform tillage depth and quality across the working width without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes data from the first sensor arrangement, calculates parallelism deviation, determines the required adjustment, and controls the pivoting device. This multi-functionality consolidates control tasks into a single device, reducing overall system complexity despite the addition of automatic control capabilities.
4Reliability
If automatic parallelism adjustment is implemented, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic feedback control system ensures reliable and consistent alignment by continuously monitoring ground distance through sensor arrangements and automatically adjusting the rear frame segment via the pivoting device. The control unit processes sensor feedback and commands corrective actions to maintain parallelism, eliminating variability caused by manual operation and ensuring reliable alignment throughout the tillage process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tillage implement autonomously maintains parallelism without operator intervention. The sensor arrangements and control unit work together to detect alignment status and automatically command the pivoting device to correct deviations, enabling the system to service itself and maintain reliable alignment consistently.
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
Ensures consistent tillage quality by automatically maintaining parallelism, reducing operator burden and tool wear, and enabling fully automatic or autonomous operation of the tillage implement.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor arrangements are designed and configured to each span a measuring range running parallel to the pivot axis and facing the ground and to transmit the measuring signals generated by the first sensor arrangement and the at least one second sensor arrangement to the control unit for determining the orientation of the front and rear frame segments relative to the ground
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural soil tillage device (1) for tilling a soil (7), comprising a support frame with a front frame segment (4), on which first soil tillage tools (5) are arranged, and a rear frame segment (21) which is pivotably connected to the front frame segment (4) about a pivot axis (48) extending in the transverse direction of the soil tillage device (1), wherein second soil tillage tools (11) are arranged on the rear frame segment (21), and wherein the rear frame segment (21) is pivotable relative to the front frame segment (4) by at least one pivoting device (49), wherein the soil tillage device (1) is assigned a control unit (10) which controls the at least one pivoting device (49),wherein a first sensor arrangement (42) is arranged upstream of the first soil cultivation tools (5) on the front frame segment (4), and at least one second sensor arrangement (43) is arranged downstream of the second soil cultivation tools (11) on the rear frame segment (21), wherein the sensor arrangements (42, 43) are designed and configured to each span a measuring range (44, 45) running parallel to the pivot axis (48) and facing the ground (7), and to transmit the measuring signals generated by the sensor arrangements (42, 43) to the control unit (10) for determining the orientation of the front and rear frame segments (4, 21) relative to the ground (7), wherein the control unit (10) controls the at least one pivoting device (49) depending on the determined orientation in order to align the front frame segment (4) and the rear frame segment (21) parallel to the ground (7).