DYNAMIC SUPPLEMENTAL DOWNFORCE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR PLANTER ROW UNITS

摘要

A dynamic supplemental downforce control system for a planter row unit. The system includes closed-loop feedback circuit that cooperates with a downforce actuator to dynamically control fluid flow to the downforce actuator to maintain balance between the actual gauge wheel downforce and a desired gauge wheel downforce during planting operations.

主权项

1. A method of controlling supplemental downforce on a planter row unit, comprising:
generating an actual gauge wheel downforce Fa on the planter row unit; defining a desired gauge wheel downforce Fd; and modifying said actual gauge wheel downforce Fa, wherein said step of modifying said actual gauge wheel downforce Fa is accomplished using a first fluid control apparatus, said fluid control apparatus being mounted to the planter row unit.