Wrap Spring Clutch Actuation with Stepper Motor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural row crop planters lack precise control over individual seed meters, leading to inconsistent seeding due to the limitations of traditional mechanical clutches, which require high power for actuation and result in inaccurate row control, causing seed skips or overpopulation.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a rotary actuator, such as a stepper motor, actuates a wrap spring clutch with feedback from sensors and GPS data to improve reaction accuracy, allowing for precise control of each row unit through a master-slave configuration of actuator controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a traditional mechanical clutch is used for actuation, then the clutch can be engaged and disengaged, but high power is required for actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional high-power mechanical or pneumatic actuation systems with a low-current electrical solenoid actuator. The solenoid generates a magnetic field to move the armature and release the clutch, eliminating the need for high mechanical force while reducing power consumption from 30 amps to approximately 1 amp for holding engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a solenoid as an intermediary device between the electrical control system and the mechanical clutch mechanism. The solenoid converts electrical energy to mechanical motion through electromagnetic induction, acting as a mediator that translates control signals into clutch actuation with minimal power requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a solenoid is used to actuate the clutch, then power consumption is reduced, but the system requires precise control for accurate row operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including sensors that detect the position and state of the clutch and seed meter components. This feedback is sent to the control system, which adjusts solenoid actuation timing and duration to achieve precise row control and prevent seed skips or overpopulation, maintaining accuracy despite lower power consumption.
3Measurement precision
If GPS control is used for row operation, then seeding accuracy can be improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates GPS control, sensor feedback, and solenoid actuation into a unified control system that serves multiple functions: navigation, seed meter control, and clutch actuation. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems, managing complexity while maintaining high seeding accuracy through centralized intelligent control.
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
This solution enables precise and efficient control of individual seed meters, reducing power consumption and improving seeding accuracy, preventing seed skips and overpopulation by allowing for independent operation of each row unit.
Implementation Method 1
A torsion spring is compressed against and wrapped around a portion of the first and second clutch plates
Implementation Method 2
In both the systems using an electrical solenoid or a compressed air cylinder, a force is applied in one direction
Implementation Method 3
Rotating power supplied to the input drive shaft causes the spring to wrap tightly around the first clutch plate to the second clutch plate through friction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a system, device and method for using a rotary actuator, e.g., a stepper motor to actuate a wrap spring clutch. Feedback from a system of sensors and GPS data, including rotational speed, travel speed and direction are provided to improve the reaction accuracy of the clutch. In one embodiment, a plurality of actuator controllers are connected in a configuration wherein one controller is a “master” and the remaining controllers are “slaves” to provide a higher level of machine control.