Trailing Link Suspension for Agricultural Applicator Ground Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
High ground clearance agricultural product applicators experience varying ground clearance due to load changes, affecting product application precision and ride quality, and handling characteristics, which are compromised across different operating modes and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A trailing link suspension system with an angular position sensor and extensible air strut is used to connect ground engaging wheels to the frame, allowing for precise control of ride height by regulating pressurized air flow, maintaining consistent ground clearance and ride quality across varying loads and operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If compression springs are used to support the load carried by the applicator, then the applicator can carry heavy loads, but ground clearance varies as the load decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system uses an adjustable spring rate mechanism that dynamically changes the stiffness of the suspension springs based on operating conditions. When heavily loaded, the springs are stiffer to support the weight; when lightly loaded or unloaded, the springs become softer to maintain ground clearance. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between carrying heavy loads and maintaining consistent ground clearance across varying load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of spring stiffness (spring rate) based on load conditions. By adjusting the spring rate parameter, the suspension can optimize performance for both heavy load carrying and ground clearance maintenance. The adjustable spring rate allows the same suspension system to adapt to different operating modes, resolving the contradiction between force capacity and clearance stability.
2Ease of operation
If the suspension is optimized for loaded state, then ride quality is improved when carrying product, but handling characteristics are compromised when unloaded or transporting
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable spring rate suspension dynamically adapts to different operating modes by changing suspension stiffness. In loaded operation, the stiffer springs provide better ride quality and support. When unloaded or during transport, the softer springs improve handling characteristics and reduce stiffness. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize for ride quality when loaded while maintaining versatility across all operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is designed to perform multiple functions across different operating conditions by adjusting spring rate. A single suspension system handles both heavy load carrying with good ride quality and unloaded operation with good handling characteristics, making it universal for all operating modes including field application, transport, and trailer towing.
3Length of stationary object
If high ground clearance is maintained to apply product to standing row crops, then product application is effective, but the applicator cannot be transported on public roads when combined with trailer or vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable spring rate suspension allows the applicator to dynamically adjust its ground clearance characteristics. When operating in the field for product application, the suspension maintains high ground clearance to clear standing row crops. When transport is required, the spring rate can be adjusted to lower the overall height, allowing the applicator to be towed on public roads or transported on trailers without exceeding height limits.
4Reliability
If compression springs are used for suspension, then the structure is simple and reliable, but ground clearance varies with load requiring continual operator adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable spring rate suspension system is designed to automatically adapt to load conditions without requiring operator intervention. The system self-adjusts the spring rate based on whether the applicator is heavily loaded, lightly loaded, or unloaded, maintaining optimal ground clearance automatically. This eliminates the need for continual operator adjustments while preserving the reliability of the suspension system.
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
The system ensures consistent ground clearance and improved ride quality by actively controlling the suspension height, maintaining optimal product application and handling characteristics regardless of load changes, and allows for adjustable height for transport on public roads.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a flow of pressurized air to the air strut achieves a desired angular rotation as detected by the angular position sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method for detecting and controlling the height of a frame of a self-propelled agricultural product applicator above a ground surface utilize a trailing link suspension system including an angular position sensor and extensible air strut, for connecting ground engaging wheels of the applicator to the frame of the applicator. Height of the applicator above the ground surface is determined by measuring relative angular rotation of upper and lower suspension arms of the suspension system about a suspension pivot axis, using the angular position sensor. Height is controlled by regulating a flow of pressurized air to the air strut, to thereby control extension of the air strut in a manner that controls a frame to axle, ride-height, distance of the suspension system.