Agricultural Machine Tractive Force Control via Implement Depth Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural working machines, such as tractors, face inefficiencies during field tillage due to excessive slip and varying soil conditions, which affect traction and operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a system that automatically controls the tractive force exerted by attachments on the working machine by adjusting operating parameters like ground engagement depth and torque transmission, using sensors to maintain optimal machine parameters within specified ranges, thereby improving traction and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the implement operates at fixed depth without automatic control, then the structure is simple, but excessive slip occurs and traction efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts the implement depth parameter based on detected slip conditions and soil resistance, changing the operating parameter to maintain optimal traction efficiency and prevent excessive slip

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors machine parameters such as slip rate and tractive force, compares them with target values, and automatically adjusts implement depth to maintain optimal operating conditions, creating a closed-loop feedback control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the implement depth is increased to improve tillage effectiveness, then productivity improves, but tractive force increases causing excessive slip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetillage effectivenessVSAvoidexcessive slip
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors slip rate and tractive force in real-time, and when excessive slip is detected, automatically reduces implement depth to eliminate the harmful effect while maintaining acceptable tillage effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The implement depth is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing the system to optimize the balance between tillage effectiveness and slip prevention by continuously adapting depth to current soil conditions and machine performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If manual control of implement depth is used, then the system is simple to operate, but operator attention is constantly required reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidoperator attention requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system automatically monitors machine parameters and adjusts implement depth without operator intervention, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for constant manual attention while maintaining optimal performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from sensors monitoring slip and tractive force to automatically control implement depth, replacing manual operator control with an automated closed-loop system that maintains optimal operation without constant attention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3701779B1Agricultural machine and method for operating an agricultural machine
Publication Date: 2023.02.01 CLAAS TRACTOR
  • EP3701779B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3701779B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to an agricultural machine (1) with ground engagement means (2, 3) arranged on at least one driven axle (4, 5) for transmitting a torque and at least one connection device (8) to which an attachment (9) operated by the machine (1) is connected, the working position of which is height-adjustable, wherein by changing at least one operating parameter of the attachment (9) a tractive force exerted by the attachment (9) on the machine (1) can be controlled or regulated as a function of at least one machine parameter of the machine (1) such that at least one machine parameter lies within a predefinable range.