Position Control System for Surface Engaging Machinery

• Main Authors: Klein, Jason, Johanson, Stuart A, Larson, Jacob S
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 26.10.2023
• Subjects: AGRICULTURE; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; BLASTING; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FISHING; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVO-MOTORS; FORESTRY; HEATING; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HUNTING; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL; LIGHTING; MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; PARTS, DETAILS, OR ACCESSORIES OF AGRICULTURAL MACHINES ORIMPLEMENTS, IN GENERAL; SOIL WORKING IN AGRICULTURE OR FORESTRY; SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; TRAPPING; WEAPONS

An example control system includes a cylinder actuator comprising a cylinder, a piston movable within the cylinder and configured to be coupled to a surface engaging implement, and a chamber within the cylinder configured to receive fluid to apply a fluid force on the piston; a proportional control valve configured to control fluid flow from a source of fluid to the chamber; a position sensor coupled to the cylinder actuator and configured to provide position sensor information indicative of a position of the piston; and a controller having access to a desired surface engagement position for the surface engaging implement, wherein the controller is configured to receive the position sensor information, and send a valve command signal to the proportional control valve to change the fluid force applied to the piston to achieve the desired surface engagement position.