Remote Stabilizer Wheel Positioning for Tillage Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wide towable agricultural tillage implements experience undesirable bouncing and deep digging during operation, and existing stabilizer wheel adjustment methods are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to error, requiring manual operation and hydraulic systems that are complex and prone to leakage.
Innovation Solution
A remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement using an electronic control unit and electrically powered linear actuators to automatically adjust the stabilizer wheels in response to desired positions or tillage depth changes, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments without the need for an operator to dismount or divert attention from vehicle operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stabilizer wheels are manually adjusted using turnbuckles or screw jacks, then the implement can be operated, but the adjustment process is cumbersome, time-consuming, and requires an operator to dismount or divert attention from vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment systems (turnbuckles, screw jacks) with an electric motor-driven lead screw mechanism. This substitution allows remote operation from the tractor cab, eliminates the need for manual dismounting, and enables automated adjustment while maintaining precise mechanical positioning of the stabilizer wheels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric motor as an intermediary between the operator's control input and the stabilizer wheel positioning mechanism. This intermediary component transmits rotational motion through a lead screw to produce precise linear displacement of the stabilizer wheels, enabling remote and automated adjustment without direct manual manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If hydraulic systems are used to adjust stabilizer wheels, then remote operation is possible, but the systems become complex and prone to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes hydraulic actuation systems with an electric motor-driven lead screw mechanism. This replacement eliminates hydraulic hoses, pumps, valves, and potential leakage points while maintaining the capability for remote operation from the tractor cab. The electric system is inherently simpler with fewer components and no fluid management requirements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizer wheels are extended too far or press too hard against the ground surface, then bouncing is reduced, but the lifting effect on the implement frame interferes with proper operation of tillage tools and degrades seedbed quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through a position sensor that monitors the stabilizer wheel position and a control system that receives input from a depth control sensor. The control system continuously adjusts the electric motor's operation to maintain the stabilizer wheels at the optimal position that provides sufficient stability while preventing excessive lifting that would interfere with tillage tool operation or degrade seedbed quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment capability where the stabilizer wheel position can be automatically modified in response to changing operating conditions. The electric motor-driven mechanism allows continuous position adjustment during operation, enabling the system to adapt to varying terrain, depth requirements, and implement loading conditions to maintain optimal seedbed quality while providing necessary stability.
4Device complexity
If manual adjustment methods are used, then the system remains simple, but the process requires assistant operators and is prone to adjustment errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an electric motor-driven lead screw mechanism controlled from the tractor cab. This substitution eliminates the need for assistant operators, reduces adjustment errors through precise electronic control and position feedback, while maintaining relatively simple system architecture. The automated control system ensures consistent and accurate positioning without human error.
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 enables efficient, accurate, and automatic adjustment of stabilizer wheels, reducing bouncing and digging issues while eliminating the need for manual assistants and hydraulic complexities, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the risk of adjustment errors.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor-driven lead screw mechanism for positioning the stabilizer wheel
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor-driven lead screw mechanism for positioning the stabilizer wheel
Data Source
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AI summary
A remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement (12) for a towable agricultural implement (10) utilizes an electronic control unit (100) that receives an input signal (120) indicative of a desired position of the stabilizer wheel (46), and/or a desired depth of penetration of tillage tools (18,20) operatively attached to the front and rear of the implement frame (16), to automatically control an electrically powered linear actuator (42) of the remotely positionable stabilizer wheel arrangement to position and hold the stabilizer wheel at the desired position of the stabilizer wheel.