Agricultural Steering System with Dynamic Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steering systems for agricultural machines, such as tractors, lack the ability to automatically adjust between reaction and non-reaction behaviors based on the operating situation, failing to account for environmental conditions and leading to suboptimal performance when transitioning between road and field operations, especially in autonomous scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A steering system equipped with a computing unit connected to sensor devices that detect the operating state (road or field) and adjust the steering behavior via a switchable valve device, allowing for automatic switching between reaction and non-reaction behaviors, utilizing image processing and artificial intelligence for accurate state determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reactive steering behavior is used, then driving comfort on roads is improved, but steering effort in fields increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system dynamically switches between reactive and non-reactive behavior modes based on the detected operating situation (road vs. field). The control unit receives sensor data about the current environment and automatically adjusts the steering system's response characteristics, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical behavior to match the operational context rather than being fixed in one mode.
2Force
If a non-reactive steering behavior is used, then steering effort in fields is reduced, but driving comfort on roads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static steering configuration to a dynamic one that can switch between non-reactive and reactive modes. Sensors detect whether the tractor is operating in a field or on a road, and the control unit相应地 adjusts the steering system to provide either reduced steering effort (non-reactive) or enhanced driving comfort (reactive), optimizing performance for the current environment.
3Device complexity
If manual switching between steering modes is required, then system complexity is reduced, but operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting the operating situation through sensors and switching between reactive and non-reactive modes without operator intervention. The control unit continuously monitors sensor data and autonomously configures the steering system appropriate for the current environment, relieving the operator of the burden of manual mode switching while maintaining optimal steering characteristics.
4Device complexity
If steering behavior is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system incorporates dynamic adaptability by using sensors to detect operating conditions (road vs. field) and automatically adjusting its behavior mode. This allows a single steering system to provide both reactive and non-reactive characteristics as needed, achieving the adaptability of multiple fixed systems without requiring the operator to manually reconfigure or switch between separate steering mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a steering system (8) for an agricultural machine (1). The steering system (8) comprises at least one steering cylinder (9) for changing the steering angle of the ground engagement elements (4) of the agricultural machine (1), a hydraulic main steering valve (10) for pressurizing the at least one steering cylinder (9), a steering signal transmitter (14) for actuating the main steering valve (10), and a switchable valve assembly (19) by means of which the reaction behavior or non-reaction behavior of the steering system (8) can be adjusted. The steering system (8) is characterized in that it comprises a processing unit (20) which is connected to at least one sensor assembly (21) on the agricultural machine (1) for transmitting data.The computing unit (20) is designed and configured to detect an operating state "road" (S) or an operating state "field" (F) of the agricultural machinery (1) based on data from the sensor device (21) and to control the valve device (19) for adjusting the reaction behavior or non-reaction behavior of the steering system (8) based on the detected operating state "road" (S) or "field" (F).