Tillage Basket Down Pressure Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural tillage implements, such as crumbler baskets, face inconsistent and uncontrollable downward pressure due to varying draft forces, leading to uneven soil treatment and cumbersome manual adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control system with sensors and actuators is integrated into the tillage implement to maintain consistent downward force on rolling baskets, using a controller to adjust the force based on real-time load measurements and desired ranges, ensuring uniform field finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If springs are used to maintain downward pressure on crumbler baskets, then the baskets can apply force to the ground, but the down force becomes inconsistent and uncontrollable at varying speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor the downward force applied by the crumbler baskets and the tractor's speed, then feed this information to a controller that automatically adjusts the spring pre-load to maintain consistent downward force despite speed variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the spring pre-load dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the system to adapt to changing operating conditions. The controller modifies the spring characteristics in real-time based on sensor data, transforming the static spring system into a dynamic one that maintains optimal performance across varying speeds
2Force
If manual adjustment mechanisms (pins, bolts, cranks) are used to position crumbler baskets, then the downward force can be adjusted, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service adjustment where the system automatically regulates its own downward force without operator intervention. The sensor-controller-actuator loop continuously self-adjusts the spring pre-load based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of pins, bolts, or cranks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electromechanical control system. Instead of manually moving pins or cranks, the operator simply sets desired parameters in a control interface, and the system automatically executes the adjustments through electric motors and sensors
3Productivity
If the tillage implement operates at varying speeds, then productivity increases, but the down force on crumbler baskets becomes inconsistent affecting soil treatment quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback sensors to continuously monitor both the tractor's speed and the downward force applied by the crumbler baskets, then feeds this information to the controller which automatically adjusts spring pre-load to maintain consistent soil treatment quality despite speed variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the spring pre-load parameter in response to varying operating speeds. The controller modifies the spring characteristics based on real-time speed and force data, ensuring that the downward force remains within optimal ranges to maintain uniform soil treatment quality across different operating conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural tillage implement including a first frame configured to be moved in a travel direction, at least one second frame coupled with the first frame, at least one rolling basket assembly coupled to the at least one second frame, at least one actuator pivotally connected to the at least one second frame, and a pressure control system operatively connected to the at least one rolling basket assembly. The pressure control system includes at least one sensor coupled to the at least one rolling basket assembly for sensing a load exerted on the at least one rolling basket assembly by a ground surface and providing a downward pressure measurement signal. The pressure control system also includes a controller in communication with the at least one sensor and configured to control the adjustable downward force applied by the at least one actuator.