Tractor Upper Link Axial Force Control for Ploughing Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for increasing load on tractor rear wheels during soil cultivation with a plough attached to a three-point linkage result in undesirable ploughing depth variations and uneven load distribution, leading to subsoil compaction and unbalanced wear.

Innovation Solution

A method that adjusts the length of the upper link of the three-point linkage using a double acting hydraulic cylinder, monitored by force sensors, to maintain or increase axial tractive force, thereby equalizing the load on rear wheels and minimizing compaction, while maintaining consistent ploughing depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If the vertical position of the plough is adjusted by force regulation of the hydraulic system, then the load on rear wheels is increased and adhesive force is improved, but ploughing depth varies and soil compaction occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesive forceVSAvoidploughing depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives signals from both the position sensor (monitoring plough depth) and force sensor (monitoring axial force in upper link), processes these feedback signals, and adjusts the hydraulic cylinder accordingly to maintain both constant ploughing depth and increased rear wheel load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameters by monitoring both position and force simultaneously, using the force sensor to detect axial force changes and the position sensor to detect vertical position changes, thereby adjusting multiple parameters to resolve the contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If the upper link length is adjusted to increase load on rear wheels, then adhesive force is improved, but ploughing depth varies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload on rear wheelsVSAvoidploughing depth control

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dual-sensor feedback system continuously monitors both the axial force in the upper link and the vertical position of the plough, allowing the control unit to adjust the hydraulic cylinder to maintain constant ploughing depth while optimizing rear wheel load

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical upper link length adjustment with a hydraulically actuated system controlled by electronic sensors and a control unit, enabling precise independent control of load and depth

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If force regulation is used during ploughing, then motor performance utilization is improved, but load distribution becomes unbalanced causing faster wear on one side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor performance utilizationVSAvoidcomponent wear balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The force sensor provides feedback on the axial force distribution, allowing the control unit to detect and correct unbalanced load conditions by adjusting the hydraulic cylinder to equalize the load on both rear wheels while maintaining optimal motor performance utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3485714B1Method and device for increasing the load on driving rear wheels of tractors during soil cultivation

Publication Date: 2021.04.28 MENDELOVA UNIVERZITA V BRNE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a method for increasing the load on driving rear wheels (KB, KP) of a tractor during soil cultivation with a farm implement (2), in particular with a plough (20), attached to a three-point linkage (1) of the tractor, in which the vertical position of the attached implement (2, 20) is adjusted relative to the tractor by means of the position of the arms (4) of a lifting device and the length of the upper link (13) of the three-point linkage (1) of the tractor is adjusted. After adjusting the length of the upper link (13) of the three-point linkage of the tractor the axial force acting/induced in the upper link (13) is determined and during travel of the tractor continuously monitored and automatically maintained at the adjusted value, whereby also the adjusted vertical position of the implement (2) attached to the tractor is continuously monitored (2) and is also automatically maintained at the adjusted value, thereby maintaining the vertical position of the attached implement (3) in this regulation and thus also constant ploughing depth. In addition, the invention relates to a device for performing the above-mentioned method for increasing the load on driving rear wheels of tractors during soil cultivation.