Agricultural Machine Sensor System for Implement Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural working machines, such as tractors, face challenges in precisely aligning and coupling attachments like front loaders due to impaired visibility and large dimensions, leading to potential collisions and damage during attachment pickup and setup.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sensor system on the working machine, comprising sensor units and an evaluation unit, which determines the relative position of the attachment to the machine, enabling precise distance measurements and avoiding collisions by providing visual or acoustic feedback to the operator, and potentially automating the steering process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine dimensions are increased to improve working capacity, then productivity is improved, but visibility for the operator is impaired making alignment and coupling difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical visual alignment system with an optical/electronic sensor system. Sensors detect the position of the implement relative to the machine and provide signals to the control system, which then automatically steers the machine for precise alignment and coupling, eliminating the need for operator visual judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and control systems as intermediaries between the operator and the coupling process. These intermediaries measure distances and positions, process the information, and execute the alignment and coupling actions, bridging the gap caused by impaired visibility.
2Productivity
If the machine dimensions are increased to improve working capacity, then productivity is improved, but the risk of collision with implement increases during approach and departure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor the distance between the machine and implement, provide this information to the control system, which adjusts the machine's position and steering to maintain safe distances and prevent collisions during approach and departure operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment and mechanical control with automated sensor-based detection and control systems that precisely manage the machine's approach and departure from implements, eliminating collision risks associated with impaired visibility.
3Device complexity
If manual alignment and coupling is used to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but the coupling process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the machine automatically performs alignment and coupling operations without operator intervention. The sensor system detects implement position, the control system calculates the required maneuvers, and the steering system executes the coupling automatically, making the system self-sufficient in the coupling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated optical/electronic sensing and control systems that rapidly detect implement positions and execute precise coupling maneuvers, dramatically reducing coupling time despite increased system complexity.
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
This solution allows for safer and more efficient attachment operations by reducing the risk of collisions and simplifying the process of picking up and setting down attachments, even in unfavorable visibility conditions, thereby reducing operator workload and preventing damage to the machine and attachments.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor system arranged on the machine side with at least one sensor unit and an evaluation unit is provided, wherein the sensor system can determine the relative position of an implement to be received and/or placed on the machine relative to the machine
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An agricultural machine (10) with a body (30) comprising at least one fairing element (58) and at least one receiving device (16) for receiving an implement (18). According to the invention, a sensor system (42) arranged on the machine side is provided, comprising at least one sensor unit (44) and an evaluation unit (46), wherein the sensor system (42) can determine the relative position of an implement (18) to be received and/or placed on the machine (10) relative to the machine (10).