Agricultural Tool Sensor Network for Wireless Operating Data Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural work vehicle systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately recording and exchanging operating data between the work vehicle and work device, particularly due to compatibility issues and the absence of bus systems in older vehicles, leading to potential errors and reduced efficiency in field operations.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a control device with a sensor unit that communicates via Bluetooth, equipped with sensors for detecting physical variables, allowing for wireless data transmission and storage of operating data, enabling the work device to be retrofitted with a sensor unit that can communicate with the control device, which can adjust driving speed based on movement amplitudes to maintain precision and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a bus system is used for data transmission between work vehicle and work device, then direct wired data transmission is achieved, but compatibility issues arise and considerable effort is required for retrofitting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidsystem compatibility complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transponder as an intermediary device that mediates data transmission between the work vehicle and work device. Instead of requiring direct bus system connections between both components, the transponder acts as a universal intermediary that can be integrated into existing systems without requiring both parties to have compatible bus systems, thus resolving the compatibility issue while maintaining reliable data transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/wired bus system connection with a radio frequency identification system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical connection of communication lines between work vehicle and work device, reducing retrofitting effort and compatibility requirements while maintaining data transmission functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If physical connection of communication lines is made between work vehicle and work equipment, then data transmission is established, but additional effort is required and failure-prone connections result

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidconnection ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical connection of communication lines with a wireless radio frequency identification system. The transponder enables data transmission through electromagnetic fields without requiring physical connection of cables between the work vehicle and work equipment, eliminating connection effort and failure points while maintaining reliable data transmission

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If constant driving speed is maintained, then operational simplicity is achieved, but precision of row spacing and plant spacing may be compromised under varying soil conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed control simplicityVSAvoidrow spacing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the actual position and spacing of rows and plants during field operations. This real-time data is fed back to the control system, which then adjusts the driving speed dynamically to maintain precise row and plant spacing, resolving the contradiction between simple constant speed operation and precision requirements under varying conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 simplifies and cost-effectively enables the recording and exchange of operating data, improving the precision and efficiency of agricultural operations by allowing real-time data visualization and automatic adjustment of driving speed, thereby enhancing the accuracy of row spacing and plant spacing, and facilitating maintenance scheduling.

Implementation Method 1

a transponder (52) which can be read and written in the radio frequency range and which is part of a radio frequency identification system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadio frequency identification: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3709786B1Method for operating a system made up of an agricultural working vehicle and at least one working tool arranged thereon
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
  • EP3709786B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709786B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3709786B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a system (20, 30) consisting of an agricultural working vehicle (1, 31) and at least one working tool (2, 39) arranged thereon, having a control device (5, 38) assigned to the working vehicle (1, 31) and at least one sensor unit (14) arranged at least on the working tool (2, 39), said sensor unit (14) comprising at least two sensors (21, 22, 26), by means of which two different physical variables are sensed, a memory unit (23), in which the information relating to the working tool (2, 39) is stored and operating data of at least the working tool (3, 39) are continuously saved, and a transmitter unit (24), which is used for the at least one sensor unit (14) to communicate wirelessly with the control device (5, 38) by means of a Bluetooth network, wherein, in order activate communication with one another, the control device (5, 38) is moved into a transmission range of the sensor unit (14) and the operating data buffer-stored in the memory unit (23) are transmitted to the control device (5, 38).