DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to agricultural vehicles and implements, and more particularly but not exclusively to a system and method for damping vibrations and controlling the position of an agricultural implement.
BACKGROUND
[002] Farmers utilize a wide variety of agricultural tillage implements to prepare soil for planting. Some of the implements include two or more sections coupled together to perform multiple functions as they are pulled through the fields by an agricultural vehicle such as tractor, a cultivator or a harrow which is capable of simultaneously tilling and leveling the soil in preparation for planting.
[003] Either a stationary, or a freely rotatable, ground-engaging, generally saucer-like support member or skid is provided underneath each rotary unit of the agricultural implement in a manner to support the rotary unit on the ground during operation and to shield the cutter blade mounting means on the drum flanges, and moreover, providing a constant ground pressure along the width of the implement for uniformly carrying out the work. If the implement is operated in an inclined position in front or behind the tractor or the like, due to transverse displacements of the centre of gravity, the agricultural implement does not have a constant ground pressure along the width of the vehicle and generates vibrations and instability in operating the tractor/implement.
[004] A known art comprises an apparatus for attaching to the tractor and having forward and reverse frame portions pivotally joined together by linking arms. These arms permit the rearward portion of the frame to be raised and lowered in a vertical plane, while the inclination of the rearward frame portion itself is maintained substantially constant. The forward portion of the frame has a means for attachment to the rear end of the tractor. Ground engaging-implements are secured beneath the rearward portion of the frame, and positive elevating means are secured to the frame, such that the implements have free vertical movement as the tractor moves the implement over uneven terrain. Further, the implement may be lifted above a predetermined limit (as the frame comprises free vertical movement) while making a head turn on corner of the field/ground. If the PTO of the tractor is operated (rotated) during the turning of the tractor while the implement being in lifted position, it might cause damage to objects or human lives approaching their way.
[005] Therefore, there exists a need for a system and method for damping vibrations and controlling the position of an agricultural implement, which eliminates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[006] The principal object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a system and method for damping vibrations and controlling position of an agricultural implement.
[007] Another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide a method for controlling the position of an agricultural implement.
[008] Yet another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide at least one skid element/member coupled to the agricultural implement (frame) for damping vibrations in the agricultural implement.
[009] Still another object of the embodiments disclosed herein is to provide at least one position sensor and at least one RPM sensor coupled to the agricultural implement (frame) for controlling position of the agricultural implement.
[0010] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0011] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a skid member attached to an agricultural implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 2 depicts a front view of a skid member, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a sensor for the three point linkage height/ position alarm, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram for the three-point linkage height position alarm, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 5 depicts a front view of position sensor on the three-point linkage, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein; and
[0017] FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart of a method for controlling position of an agricultural implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0019] The embodiments herein achieve a system and method for damping vibrations and controlling the position of an agricultural implement. Further, the embodiments herein achieve a method for controlling the position of an agricultural implement. Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through FIG. 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0020] In an embodiment, the system 100 for damping vibrations and controlling the position of an agricultural implement 101 includes, at least one agricultural implement 101 (also referred to as rotavator in this description) having a frame 102, a right side frame wall 102a (not shown), a left side frame wall 102b, a driving means (not shown) coupled to a drive shaft wheel (not shown), at least one rotary shaft (not shown), at least one skid member 110 coupled to the left side frame wall 102b and the right side frame wall 102a (not shown), at least one position sensor 112, at least one revolutions per minute (RPM) sensor 114, a sensor module 202, a processing unit 204, a controller 206, and a display module 210.
[0021] In an embodiment, the agricultural implement 101 is pulled by the agricultural vehicle 200 (also referred to as tractor in this description). The tractor has a conventional power take-off shaft (not shown) extending rearward from its body and a drawbar structure mounted on the underside of the body and extending rearward from the tractor wherein its rearward end is terminated in a clevis type connection (not shown). These and all other features of the tractor are conventional and consequently details are neither shown nor described relative to those features.
[0022] In an embodiment, the agricultural implement 101 (also referred to as rotavator in this description) includes the main frame 102 (frame 102 hereafter). The frame 102 is composed of a front transverse beam (not shown) extending across the front end of the agricultural implement 101. In an embodiment, the frame 102 is configured to be connected to the clevis by means of a pin (not shown). In an embodiment, the frame 102 further includes a pair of side beams (not shown) which are fixed to the front transverse beam and extend rearward from opposite ends of the front transverse beam.
[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a skid member attached to an agricultural implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The system 100 includes the right side frame wall 102a (not shown), and a left side frame wall 102b. In an embodiment, the left side frame wall 102b is depicted in the FIG. 1. The skid member 110 is attached at a bottom surface of the right side frame wall 102a (not shown), and the left side frame wall 102b.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, each of these skid members 110 comprises a central flat section with an upturned forward and rearward edges (C-shaped). In an embodiment, the flat central section (not shown) of the skid members 110 is attached to the bottom surface of the right side frame wall 102a (not shown), and the left side frame wall 102b. The skid member 110 is attached to the right side frame wall 102a (not shown), and the left side frame wall 102b, such that the skid member 110 can slide along with the frame 102 when the rotavator 101 is being operated for soil preparation. The skidding action or sliding remains same, whether the movement is either in the forward or in the backward direction.
[0025] In an embodiment, the skid members 110 are designed to dampen any vibrations or forces generated by the frame 102 and/or by the rotating of the rotavator 101, by a plurality of blades coupled to a rotary shaft of the rotavator 101. In an alternate embodiment, at least one dampening component/member (not shown) may be coupled between the frame walls (left and right) and the skid members 110. The dampening member (not shown) absorbs at least one force generated by operating the implement on the ground surface. The skid member 110 is a pre-stressed member, thus the skid member 110 resists an input force generated by the rotary shaft of the rotavator 101.
[0026] The skid members 110 may be employed as runners, when it is desired to transfer the implement from one place to another. Hereby, the implement 101 may be taken from one place to another without damaging the blades.
[0027] For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the agricultural implement 101 is explained herein below with reference to being used in an agricultural vehicle 200. However, it is also within the scope of the embodiments herein to provide a plurality of rotor shafts and a plurality of dampening members without otherwise deterring the intended function of the dampening the vibration(s) as can be deduced from the description and corresponding drawings.
[0028] FIG. 3 depicts a sensor for the three point linkage height/position alarm, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the system 100 for controlling the position of the agricultural implement to improve its performance includes the position sensor 112, the RPM sensor 114, the sensor module 202, the processing unit 204, the controller 206 and the display module 210.
[0029] The rotavator 101 is lifted while making turn on corners of the field/ground. While making the turn, if the PTO is rotating, it may cause damage to any objects or humans which come in the way. To avoid higher lifting of the rotavator 101 from the ground, the at least one position sensor 112 is mounted on a three point linkage mechanism of the rotavator 101. The position sensor 112 takes input from the RPM sensor 114, such as whether the PTO is engaged or not, the implement is rotating or not, and whether the implement 101 is lifted from the ground to a certain height or not. The at least one position sensor 112 activates and provides an alarm to an operator to lower the position of the implement 101, if the position of the implement 101 crosses a predetermined height limit. In an embodiment herein, for example, the predetermined height limit may include a position 1, a position 2, and a position 3.
[0030] FIG. 4 depicts a block diagram for the three point linkage height position alarm, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The system 100 includes the sensor module 202. The sensor module 202 is coupled to the processing unit 204 associated with the agricultural vehicle 200. The sensor module 202 is configured to measure at least one operating parameter corresponding to the agricultural implement 101. The sensor module 202 further includes the at least one position sensor 112 and the at least one RPM sensor 114 mounted on the three point linkage as shown in FIG. 5. The position sensor 112 and the RPM sensor 114 are configured to measure the position or height of the agricultural implement 101 from a ground surface and a speed at which the agricultural implement 101 is operated, respectively. The sensor module 202 and the display module 210 are mounted on at least one pre-defined position of the agricultural implement 101 and the agricultural vehicle 200. In an embodiment, the operating parameters include at least one position of the agricultural implement 101 and a speed at which the agricultural implement 101 is operated.
[0031] The system 100 includes the controller 206 coupled to the processing unit 204. The controller 206 is configured to process the measured at least one operational parameter to generate at least one control output signal corresponding to the at least one operating parameter of the agricultural implement 101. The controller 206 is further configured to convert the measured at least one operating parameter into at least one operating count value. Further, a comparison of the at least one operating count value is performed with at least one pre-defined threshold value. Then, the at least one control output signal is generated corresponding to the at least one operational parameter based on results of the comparison. The controller 206 is further configured to generate at least one of a visual indication and/or an audio indication based on the comparison of the generated at least one operating count value with the at least one pre-defined threshold value. The indication is provided to an operator to lower the height or position of the implement 101 below the predetermined height limit. In an embodiment, the indication is provided only when both the position sensor 112 and the RPM sensor 114 is active. If either one of the position sensor 112 and the RPM sensor 114 is not active, no indication is provided to the operator. The RPM sensor 114 not being active, means that the agricultural implement 101 is currently being operated.
[0032] The system 100 further includes the processing unit 204. The processing unit 204 collects various data as operation data from the position sensor 112, and the RPM sensor 114. The processing unit 204 collects the operation data and communicates the operation data (herein after acquired data) to the controller 206. The system 100 furthermore includes the display module 210. The display module 210 is coupled to the processing unit 204. The display module 210 is configured to display the at least one control output signal corresponding to the at least one operating parameter of the agricultural implement 101.
[0033] FIG. 6 depicts a flow chart of a method for controlling position of an agricultural implement, according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. The method 300 for controlling an agricultural implement 101 of an agricultural vehicle 200, is disclosed. At step 302, the method includes measuring, by a sensor module 202, at least one operating parameter corresponding to the agricultural implement 101. At step 304, the method includes processing, by a controller 206, the measured at least one operational parameter to generate at least one control output signal corresponding to the at least one operating parameter of the agricultural implement 101. At step 306, the method includes displaying, by a display module 210, the at least one control output signal corresponding to the at least one operating parameter of the agricultural implement 101.
[0034] The method 300 is explained below. The sensor module 202 is coupled to the processing unit 204 associated with the agricultural vehicle 200. The sensor module 202 is configured to measure at least one operating parameter corresponding to the agricultural implement 101. Further, the controller 206 is configured to process the measured at least one operational parameter to generate at least one control output signal corresponding to the at least one operating parameter of the agricultural implement 101. The system 100 furthermore includes the display module 210. The display module 210 is coupled to the processing unit 204. The display module 210 is configured to display the at least one control output signal corresponding to the at least one operating parameter of the agricultural implement 101. The controller 206 is further configured to generate at least one of a visual indication, and/or an audio indication based on the comparison of the generated at least one operating count value with the at least one pre-defined threshold value. The indication is provided to an operator to lower the height or position of the implement 101 below the predetermined height limit.
[0035] The technical advantages disclosed by the embodiments herein are, the agricultural implement mixes and pulverizes the tilled soil well resulting in a good clod size distribution. The number of tillage passes required to achieve an acceptable tilt quality, using implement, is also significantly reduced. Further, damage of the rotating shafts and blades due to impact of stones and roots in soil are evaded.
[0036] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. A system 100 to control an agricultural implement 101 attached to an agricultural vehicle 200, the system 100 comprising:
a position sensor 112 configured to measure a height of the agricultural implement 101 above the ground;
a revolutions per minute (RPM) sensor 114 configured to determine speed at which the agricultural implement is being operated; and
a controller 206 configured to generate an indication, on determining that the measured height of the agricultural implement 101 received from the position sensor 112 is above a threshold and the RPM sensor 114 indicates that the agricultural implement 101 is currently in operation.
2. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system 100 comprises:
a frame 102, the frame 102 having a right side frame wall 102a and a left side frame wall 102b; and
at least one skid member 110 attached to each of the right side frame wall 102a and the left side frame wall 102b;
wherein,
the skid member 110 is adapted to be connected at a bottom surface of each of the right side frame wall 102a and the left side frame wall 102b; and
the skid member 110 is configured to absorb at least one force or vibration generated by the agricultural implement 101.
3. The system 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the skid member 110 is a pre-stressed member.
4. The system 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the skid member 110 comprises a central flat section with upturned forward and rearward edges.
5. The system 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system 100 further includes at least one dampening member disposed between the skid members 110 and the corresponding right side frame wall 102a and left side frame wall 102b.
6. The system 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the indication is at least one of a visual indication, and an audio indication.
7. A method 300 for controlling an agricultural implement 101 attached to an agricultural vehicle 200, the system 100 comprising:
measuring 302, by a position sensor 112, a height of the agricultural implement 101 above the ground;
determining 302, by a revolutions per minute (RPM) sensor 114, a speed at which the agricultural implement is being operated; and
generating 304 an indication by a controller 206, on determining that the measured height of the agricultural implement 101 received from the position sensor 112 is above a threshold and the RPM sensor 114 indicates that the agricultural implement 101 is currently in operation.
8. The method 300 as claimed in claim 7, wherein the indication is at least one of a visual indication, and an audio indication.