Ground Engaging Tool Depth Control via Segmented Hydraulic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural systems with multiple ground engaging tools face challenges in independently adjusting the depth of each tool set without affecting other sets, leading to inefficiencies and errors in configuring different ground engaging depths for various soil preparation tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system that synchronously controls hydraulic cylinders for a primary set of tools and independently adjusts secondary sets, using a parallel plus series control method to minimize interaction and delay, allowing precise configuration of ground engaging depths through electronically controlled valves and a controller executing programmed adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If hydraulic cylinders for multiple ground engaging tools are mechanically coupled to move together, then the system structure is simplified and fewer independent controls are needed, but the ability to independently adjust depth of each tool set is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into a common hydraulic cylinder that moves the entire implement and individual ground engaging tools that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the main frame to move as one unit while permitting independent depth adjustment of each tool set through separate hydraulic controls for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static mechanically coupled configuration to a dynamic independently controllable system. Each ground engaging tool is equipped with its own hydraulic cylinder and control system, enabling dynamic independent adjustment of each tool's depth while the implement moves through the field.
2Ease of operation
If independent hydraulic controls are provided for each ground engaging tool set, then independent depth adjustment is enabled, but the system complexity and number of controls increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses universal multi-functional components that can control different tool sets. The hydraulic system employs a common pump and valve manifold that can direct fluid to any combination of tool cylinders, allowing one control system to manage multiple functions and reducing the total number of independent controls needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic valve manifold acts as an intermediary between the control system and multiple tool cylinders. This intermediary component receives control signals and distributes hydraulic fluid to the appropriate cylinders, simplifying the control architecture by consolidating multiple control paths through a single intermediate device.
3Manufacturing precision
If ground engaging depth of one section is changed, then the desired depth adjustment for that section is achieved, but ground engaging depth of other sections is inadvertently changed
Solution Approach 1:
The depth control system is segmented into independent control channels for each ground engaging tool set. Each tool has its own hydraulic cylinder with independent control valves, ensuring that depth adjustments for one tool do not mechanically or hydraulically affect the position of other tools, thereby eliminating unintended depth changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates depth sensors and feedback control mechanisms that monitor the actual position of each ground engaging tool and adjust hydraulic cylinder extension accordingly. This feedback ensures precise depth control for each tool independently, preventing unintended depth changes in other sections when one tool's depth is modified.
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
Enables precise and efficient independent adjustment of ground engaging depths for different tool sets, reducing errors and improving operational efficiency by synchronizing cylinder lengths and minimizing dynamic control errors.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic system can include a pump configured to supply hydraulic fluid and a plurality of electronically controlled valves, each valve configured to meter hydraulic fluid with respect to a hydraulic cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
The present inventors have recognized that hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering ground engaging tools of an implement can be synchronously controlled with respect to a prioritized primary set of tools, such as a section of tillage shanks for ripping compacted soil, which cylinder adjustment affects all other sections due to the arrangement of the primary set on the frame. A user can electronically command new ground engaging depths for the primary set and/or any secondary set of ground engaging tools. If the primary set is updated, the system can synchronously control the primary set and the other sections to adjust respective cylinders to achieve desired depths. However, if only a second set is updated, and not the primary set, the system can control only the second set to adjust its cylinder to the desired depth without affecting the primary set or any other second set.