Stabilizer Wheel Position Control With Proportional Hydraulic Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern towable agricultural tillage implements face challenges with stabilizer wheels, as they often bounce or dig too deeply into the ground, especially when wide, and existing automated positioning systems lack the precision and accuracy needed for optimal seedbed preparation, requiring manual adjustments and additional hydraulic systems.
Innovation Solution
A remotely controlled stabilizer wheel positioning system using a double-acting hydraulic cylinder with an electro-hydraulic proportional flow control arrangement, allowing precise and independent adjustment of stabilizer wheels in relation to the implement frame, without requiring multiple hydraulic control channels or complex communication protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizer wheels are extended too far or press too hard against the ground surface, then bouncing and digging are reduced, but the lifting effect on the implement frame interferes with proper operation of the tillage tools and degrades seedbed quality
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer wheel positioning system transitions from static manual adjustment to dynamic automated control. The system continuously monitors the position of stabilizer wheels relative to the implement frame and automatically adjusts their position to maintain optimal contact with the ground surface, resolving the contradiction between stabilization effectiveness and tillage tool operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates position sensing that provides feedback on the relative position between the stabilizer wheel and implement frame. This feedback loop enables the control system to make real-time adjustments to stabilizer wheel position, ensuring they bear only light contact pressure on the ground surface and preventing interference with tillage tool operation while maintaining seedbed quality.
2Measurement precision
If manual adjustment methods are used for stabilizer wheels, then system complexity is reduced, but positioning accuracy and precision are insufficient for optimal seedbed preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment methods with an automated electro-hydraulic positioning system. The control system uses electrical signals to actuate hydraulic cylinders that precisely position the stabilizer wheels, achieving high positioning accuracy and precision while eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a hydraulic cylinder actuated by an electro-hydraulic proportional flow control valve to position the stabilizer wheel. This hydraulic mechanism provides precise, smooth, and controlled movement of the stabilizer wheel relative to the implement frame, achieving the required positioning accuracy without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Extent of automation
If existing automated positioning systems are used, then positioning automation is achieved, but the systems lack precision and require multiple hydraulic control channels and complex communication protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-hydraulic proportional flow control valve serves multiple functions: it controls the position of the stabilizer wheel, regulates hydraulic fluid flow, and provides precise positioning control through electrical signal input. This multi-functional component achieves accurate automated positioning while eliminating the need for multiple separate hydraulic control channels and complex communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The electro-hydraulic proportional flow control valve acts as an intermediary between the electrical control system and the hydraulic actuation system. It translates electrical position commands into precise hydraulic flow control, enabling accurate stabilizer wheel positioning without requiring complex communication protocols or multiple hydraulic control channels.
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
This system provides significantly improved accuracy and precision in stabilizer wheel positioning, enabling on-the-fly adjustments responsive to tillage depth changes, enhancing seedbed quality without the need for manual intervention or complex system upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
simultaneously, cooperatively and proportionally controlling the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from both the rod and base ends of the bore of the hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor operatively connected for indicating a present position of the stabilizer wheel with respect to the frame and configured for generating an electrical present position signal indicative of the present stabilizer wheel position
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for remotely positioning a stabilizer wheel of a towable agricultural implement simultaneously, cooperatively and proportionally control the flow of hydraulic fluid to and from both the rod and base ends of the bore of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, to hold the piston of the hydraulic cylinder at a target position determined from a desired position input signal corresponding to a desired position of the stabilizer wheel with respect to a frame of the agricultural implement.