Adaptive Tractor Control Device for Dynamic Function Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractor operators face difficulties due to the large number of generic, unchangeable control elements that require frequent hand or arm position changes and lack clear functionality identification, leading to operating errors and inefficiencies when switching between different attached working devices.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive operating device with multiple operating areas and a recognition system that configures control elements based on the attached working device, allowing for customizable spatial positioning and movement directions, enabling a single control element to perform various functions relevant to the connected device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If standardized generic control elements are used for all working devices, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but operator confusion increases and operating errors occur due to lack of clear functionality identification
Solution Approach 1:
The control element's functionality is made dynamic rather than static. The control element automatically changes its assigned function based on the detected working device, transforming from a fixed generic control to an adaptive intelligent control that responds to system conditions
Solution Approach 2:
A detection device identifies which working device is coupled to the tractor and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the control element to automatically configure itself with the appropriate function based on the detected working device type
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple generic control elements are provided for different functions, then all functions can be controlled, but the number of operating elements increases to up to 50 controls requiring frequent hand or arm position changes
Solution Approach 1:
A single control element is designed to perform multiple functions depending on the working device attached. Instead of having separate dedicated controls for each function, one control element universally handles different operations such as raising/lowering linkage, rotating PTO shafts, or operating hydraulic valves based on system configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The control element transitions from a static single-function design to a dynamic multi-functional design where its purpose changes automatically based on the detected working device, reducing the physical number of controls while maintaining full functional coverage
3Device complexity
If generic control labels are used without specific function identification, then labeling complexity is reduced, but operating time increases as operators must work through combinations to determine relevant controls
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a detection device that automatically identifies the working device and provides feedback to configure and label control elements appropriately. This eliminates the need for operators to manually determine control functions by trial and error
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs preliminary configuration automatically based on detected working device type. Before the operator needs to use a control, the system has already configured the appropriate function and spatial position, so the control is ready for immediate use without requiring operator learning or trial-and-error
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an adaptive control device (1) for agricultural tractors, comprising two or more n control areas (2), each control area (2) comprising at least one manually operable control element (3), the control device (1) comprising a recognition device (4) that recognizes the type of work device (5) coupled to the tractor in use, the control device (1) further comprising a configuration device (6) cooperating with the recognition device (4) that configures the functionality of a control element (3) and/or a control area (2) depending on the type of coupled work device (5), the control device (1) further comprising at least one display element (7) that displays a configuration of a control area (2) in use.wherein, depending on the configuration, at least one control element (3) is changeable in its spatial position and/or configurable in the direction and/or extent of its movement.