Winged-Frame Towed Implement Controller for Hydraulic Synchronization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural implements face challenges with high operator workload for manual adjustments, hydraulic system leakage leading to uneven field finish, and phased hydraulic circuits drifting out of phase due to internal leakage, which compromises performance.

Innovation Solution

A towed agricultural implement equipped with a controller that uses sensors to monitor operating characteristics and adjust actuators automatically, including phased hydraulic circuits, to maintain consistent field settings and synchronize components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If spool valves are used for hydraulic control, then cost and efficiency are improved, but leakage increases compromising field finish

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost effectivenessVSAvoidfield finish consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller receives feedback from sensors monitoring implement position and hydraulic circuit state, automatically adjusting valve positions to compensate for leakage and maintain precise field settings without requiring zero-leak valves

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The hydraulic system performs self-correction through the controller's automated adjustments, where the system monitors and compensates for its own leakage characteristics to maintain consistent performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If phased hydraulic circuits are used for multiple actuators, then adjustability is improved, but internal leakage causes out of phase drift

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidphase synchronization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors monitor the position of each actuator in the phased hydraulic circuit, and the controller receives feedback to automatically adjust valve positions, compensating for internal leakage and maintaining precise phase synchronization across all actuators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces purely mechanical phase synchronization with an electronically controlled system where the controller uses sensor feedback to actively manage and correct phase relationships, substituting mechanical precision with electronic control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustments are made to optimize implement performance, then operational flexibility is improved, but operator workload increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidoperator workload

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The implement performs self-adjustment through automated sensor monitoring and controller actuation, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining full operational flexibility and adaptability to field conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustments with an automated electro-hydraulic control system where sensors and controllers automatically manage implement settings, substituting physical operator effort with electronic automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250295051A1Towed agricultural implement with winged frame and controller to assist operation of the implement

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 ELMERS WELDING & MFG LTD

AI summary

A harrow or tillage implement comprised of a tool bar(s) with sections, gangs, or individual tools attached with a controller, and series of monitoring sensors. Such an implement with one or more automated systems to assist the operator with the tasks required to successfully operate the implement. These systems together can provide more consistent transitions between transport and field, minimize the probability of damage during operation, and work to ensure the implement is operating as intended.