Agricultural Hitch Force Sensor and Control System

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural vehicles face inefficiencies and component stress due to varying loads from towed equipment, affecting fuel efficiency and operational performance across different terrains and conditions.

Innovation Solution

An agricultural system with a hitch assembly and sensor to measure forces applied, coupled with control circuitry that adjusts operational parameters such as pulling force and drag to optimize performance based on sensed conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the work vehicle operates under varying load conditions, then the vehicle can adapt to different terrains and equipment weights, but fuel efficiency decreases and component stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying load conditionsVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters (engine speed, transmission gear, hydraulic flow) in real-time based on sensed load conditions through the hitch assembly sensor. This dynamic adaptation allows the vehicle to optimize fuel efficiency while maintaining versatility across varying load conditions, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor coupled to the hitch assembly provides continuous feedback on the force applied by the implement, which the control circuitry uses to automatically adjust operational parameters. This closed-loop feedback system enables the vehicle to respond to varying loads efficiently, maintaining optimal fuel consumption while adapting to different terrain and equipment conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the work vehicle operates under varying load conditions, then the vehicle can handle different terrains and equipment weights, but component stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to varying load conditionsVSAvoidcomponent stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system proactively adjusts operational parameters in anticipation of increased load demands detected by the sensor, preventing excessive stress on components before it occurs. This preemptive adjustment protects vehicle components from damaging stress while maintaining the ability to handle varying load conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If manual monitoring and adjustment of operational parameters is used, then system complexity is reduced, but productivity and fuel efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of operational parameters based on sensor input from the hitch assembly. The control circuitry automatically modifies engine speed, transmission gear, and hydraulic flow without operator intervention, enabling the system to service itself and optimize performance while reducing the need for manual monitoring and adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves efficiency and reduces operational costs by automatically adjusting parameters in response to changing loads, enhancing the longevity of vehicle and implement components.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor coupled to the hitch assembly and configured to provide a signal indicative of a force applied to the hitch assembly by the agricultural implement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentUS9686902B2System and method for improving performance of an agricultural vehicle or implement

Publication Date: 2017.06.27 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

One agricultural system includes a hitch assembly configured to couple an agricultural vehicle with an agricultural implement. The agricultural system also includes a sensor coupled to the hitch assembly and configured to provide a signal indicative of a force applied to the hitch assembly by the agricultural vehicle and/or the agricultural implement. The agricultural system includes control circuitry configured to receive the signal from the sensor, to select a parameter associated with operation of the agricultural vehicle and/or the agricultural implement, based on the signal, to determine if performance of the agricultural vehicle and/or the agricultural implement will be improved by adjusting the parameter, and to control the parameter if performance of the agricultural vehicle and/or the agricultural implement will be improved.