Tillage Implement Leveling via Inclinometer Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current farm implements with large lateral spans face challenges in maintaining uniform and level tool contact with the soil due to hydraulic actuator synchronization issues and field conditions, requiring manual adjustments that decrease efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with interconnected carrier frames, inclinometers, and an electronic control unit to independently adjust actuators for precise leveling, ensuring all sections of the implement maintain uniform depth and entry into the soil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If hydraulic actuators are connected in series to control depth of penetration, then the implement can operate with large lateral spans, but hydraulic fluid leakage causes actuators to become out of sync
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inclinometers on each carrier frame to continuously measure inclination angles and provides feedback signals to the ECU. The ECU compares these signals and automatically adjusts actuator positions to maintain synchronization, eliminating the reliability issue caused by hydraulic leakage in series-connected actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hydraulic series connection system with electronically controlled independent actuators. Each actuator is independently controlled by the ECU based on inclinometer feedback, substituting the unreliable hydraulic mechanical linkage with an electronic control system that maintains synchronization without physical connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments are made to synchronize actuator sections, then level positioning can be achieved, but operator must dismount from tractor which decreases efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-leveling automatically without operator intervention. The inclinometers continuously monitor carrier frame inclination, the ECU processes the data, and the actuators automatically adjust positions to maintain level operation. This eliminates the need for manual adjustments and keeps the operator seated on the tractor.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic feedback control loop continuously monitors inclination angles via inclinometers and automatically commands actuator adjustments through the ECU. This closed-loop system maintains precise level positioning without requiring manual intervention, thereby preserving operational efficiency.
3Reliability
If implement is fully elevated to synchronize actuators through bypass flow, then actuator synchronization is restored, but additional operational steps are required which decreases speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bypass flow synchronization method with an electronic control system. Instead of elevating the implement to allow hydraulic bypass flow, the ECU electronically commands each actuator to the desired position based on inclinometer feedback, achieving synchronization instantly without mechanical elevation maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors inclination angles and makes preliminary automatic adjustments before significant desynchronization occurs. The ECU processes inclinometer data in real-time and commands actuator corrections proactively, preventing the need for time-consuming synchronization maneuvers.
4Measurement precision
If multiple inclinometers are used on each carrier frame for independent actuator control, then precise leveling is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the implement into separate carrier frame segments, each equipped with its own inclinometer and independently controlled by dedicated actuators. This segmentation allows precise measurement and control of each section's inclination while maintaining overall system manageability through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU serves multiple functions: it receives signals from all inclinometers, processes inclination data, commands actuator adjustments, and maintains overall system coordination. This multi-functional control unit reduces the need for separate control systems for each carrier frame, managing complexity through consolidation.
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 solution provides accurate and efficient synchronization of multiple sections, allowing for automatic adjustments during operation, enhancing the speed and efficiency of tillage tasks while maintaining uniform soil engagement.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inclinometer on each carrier frame determines the inclination of the respective carrier frame relative to the vertical reference
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement having agricultural implement for supporting a plurality of gangs of disk blades extending generally laterally relative to a forward travel direction. The implement has carrier frames pivotally connected to wheel assemblies for controlling the height of the carrier frames relative to the ground through hydraulic actuators acting on the wheel assemblies. The hydraulic control unit enables independent and individual control of each actuator. An electronic control unit (ECU) receives signals from a series of inclinometers where each inclinometer signal is compared to the others and the individual actuator operated to bring the actuators into in uniform synchronization.