Turf Grader Blade Control with Laser Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turf grading equipment lacks precision and efficiency in adjusting blade inclination and elevation, particularly on uneven terrain, requiring multiple machines and tools, and often lacks laser-guided control systems for ground preparation, leading to increased costs and time consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method for controlling turf grading equipment with independently movable sides for pitch and yaw adjustments, utilizing a control system with manual override and module selection modes, including laser, autograde, autodepth, and slope modes, to precisely adjust blade elevation and inclination, and integrate laser guidance for enhanced precision and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional Quick-Hitch rotational arrangements are used to vary blade inclination, then the blade can be adjusted to different angles, but the system becomes expensive, heavy, and slow to adjust
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly is divided into multiple independently controllable segments - the main blade body and adjustable inclination sections. Each segment can be controlled separately by independent actuators, allowing precise inclination adjustment without requiring complex rotational mechanisms. This segmentation enables the blade to achieve various angles through coordinated movement of simpler individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed inclination angles (requiring rotational repositioning) to dynamically adjustable inclination through continuous actuator control. The blade inclination can be changed continuously and quickly by controlling the position of adjustable sections, eliminating the need for discrete rotational steps and heavy mechanical repositioning mechanisms.
2Manufacturing precision
If the entire levelling assembly is raised and lowered to adjust blade elevation, then elevation control is achieved, but the process is slower and less precise compared to blade-only adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The elevation control system is segmented into independent blade elevation actuators that control only the blade position, separate from the main assembly elevation. This allows the blade to be raised or lowered independently and precisely without moving the entire heavy assembly, significantly improving both precision and speed of elevation adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
Elevation adjustment capability is applied locally at the blade level rather than globally at the assembly level. Each blade or blade section can be independently elevated or lowered by dedicated actuators positioned at the blade attachment points, providing precise local control that is faster and more efficient than moving the entire assembly.
3Ease of operation
If a fixed inclination blade is used on a tractor traversing a slope, then the blade maintains its inclination relative to the tractor, but it cannot level the ground to true horizontal
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors (such as inclinometers, GPS, or laser receivers) that provide real-time feedback on the actual ground slope and blade inclination. This feedback is processed by a control system that automatically adjusts the blade inclination actuators to compensate for ground slope variations, ensuring the blade maintains the correct angle relative to true horizontal rather than just relative to the moving tractor.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade inclination system automatically adjusts itself based on real-time conditions without requiring manual operator intervention. The control system continuously monitors ground slope and blade position, then autonomously commands the actuators to make necessary inclination corrections, enabling the blade to self-adapt to varying terrain and maintain true horizontal levelling accuracy.
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 turf grading on uneven terrain with reduced operational time and costs by allowing independent side movement and integration of laser guidance, improving the accuracy and speed of ground preparation and leveling processes.
Implementation Method 1
The grade adjust laser mode comprises a laser transmitter in a fixed location relative to the area. The laser transmitter transmits a laser beam over the area
Implementation Method 2
at least one laser sensor on the turf grading device wherein the laser sensor moves in concert with the left side or right side
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system and method for controlling turf grading equipment is described. The system comprises a turf grading device wherein the turf grading device is moved longitudinally over an area and the turf grading device comprises a left side and a right side with each side being able to independently move vertically and in concert provide a motion of pitch and yaw. The system includes a control system wherein the control system controls movement of the left side and the right side independently. The control system comprises a controller interface capable of selecting between a manual override mode and a module selection mode wherein the module selection mode selected from a grade adjust laser mode, a grade adjust autograde mode, a grade adjust autodepth mode and a grade adjust slope mode.