Agricultural Machine Operating System All-Auto Button
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current operating systems for agricultural machines require operators to manually activate multiple complex functions across different levels, leading to increased effort and a high risk of functions being forgotten, due to their distributed nature.
Innovation Solution
An 'all-auto' button is introduced that allows operators to activate multiple functions simultaneously through a configuration menu, ensuring that actuating elements are automatically engaged in programmed mode, reducing the complexity and effort required for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually activates each function via corresponding operating elements on different levels/pages, then each function can be individually controlled, but the operator effort and time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual function activation operations are merged into a single 'all-auto' button press. The patent combines the activation of pump drive, automatic quantity control, automatic section control, automatic nozzle selection, automatic stirring pressure control, automatic steering, automatic height control of suspension, automatic boom guidance, and other functions into one unified action, eliminating the need to navigate through multiple levels and pages separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary configuration by pre-grouping related functions that should be activated together. The control device is pre-programmed with knowledge of which functions belong together (e.g., all automatic functions for a specific operational mode), so when the operator presses the 'all-auto' button, the system already has the activation sequence prepared, reducing the time required during actual operation.
2Reliability
If functions are distributed across different operating levels/pages, then each function can be independently managed, but the risk of forgetting to activate a function increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple distributed functions into a single unified control element ('all-auto' button). This consolidation ensures that all necessary functions are activated together as a package, eliminating the risk of missing individual function activations while maintaining independent manageability through the grouping strategy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback on the display unit showing which functions are activated and which are not. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to verify that the 'all-auto' button has successfully activated all intended functions, and to identify any functions that may need separate attention, thereby maintaining reliability without adding complexity.
3Ease of operation
If multiple functions are activated individually through separate operating elements, then precise control over each function is achieved, but the overall operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments functions into logical groups that can be activated together. By dividing the complete set of functions into manageable categories (e.g., automatic control functions, manual control functions, auxiliary functions), the system reduces operational complexity while maintaining the ability to control each function precisely when needed. The 'all-auto' button activates one such segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The 'all-auto' button serves as a universal control element that can activate multiple different functions simultaneously. This multi-functional button replaces numerous individual operating elements, simplifying the interface while maintaining the capability to control each underlying function individually through other means when required.
Data Source
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AI summary
Operating system for an agricultural machine with a display and/or control unit of a data processing device for controlling and/or regulating various functions of the machine in manual and/or automatic mode by means of key-like operating elements for activating a selection of the various functions, characterized in that at least one key-like operating element designated as the total-auto key is freely configurable for simultaneous combined assignment with the functions selected by the operator.