Variable Placement Hinge for Constant Row Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large agricultural implements with fixed joints face spacing inconsistencies due to flexing, leading to potential collisions and reduced accuracy in row spacing, despite using precision guidance systems.
Innovation Solution
A variable placement hinge joint with an actuator system that adjusts spacing between implement sections by detecting angle changes and moving the hinge joint to maintain constant row spacing, using sensors and a control system to correct deviations and ensure consistent spacing across the implement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed hinge joints are used to allow implement sections to flex on uneven terrain, then the implement can accommodate terrain variations, but spacing inconsistencies occur between adjacent work zones
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge joint is transformed from a fixed position to a variable position system. The hinge joint can move along the implement section between a retracted position (maintaining spacing) and an extended position (allowing flex). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to terrain variations while maintaining consistent work zone spacing, resolving the contradiction between terrain accommodation and spacing consistency.
2Reliability
If implement sections are moved closer together to prevent tool collision, then tool collision is avoided, but spacing between planted rows becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The implement section is segmented into multiple zones: a first work zone, a transition zone, and a second work zone. The hinge joint can be positioned within the transition zone, allowing the first and second work zones to maintain their respective spacing relationships with ground-engaging tools. This segmentation enables independent spacing control for each work zone, preventing tool collision while maintaining row spacing accuracy in planted areas.
3Productivity
If large planting implements are used to reduce operating time, then productivity increases, but spacing inconsistencies and tool collision risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A control system with sensors is implemented to detect the position and orientation of implement sections. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts the hinge joint position to maintain consistent spacing between work zones. This closed-loop control enables large planting implements to operate at high productivity while maintaining precise spacing consistency, as the system continuously monitors and corrects spacing deviations.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural implement is provided that has a variable placement hinge joint that allows adjacent implement sections to flex relative to each other and can be moved by an actuator to control spacing between adjacent work zones defined by the implement sections. This can be done by detecting relative angle changes between adjacent implement sections and moving the hinge joint to maintain a constant distance between the work zones so that row spacing is substantially constant across the entire implement, even between adjacent ground-engaging tools or other working units of different implement sections.