Automated Position Securing Device for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural implement transport systems require additional setup time and reduce operational safety due to the need for manual unlocking and relocking of implements during transfer between transport vehicles and working machines, especially with larger equipment sizes exceeding public road axle load limitations.
Innovation Solution
A position securing device with a sensor, receiving device, locking mechanism, and drive system that automatically locks and unlocks the implement based on its coupling state, ensuring secure attachment to either the working machine or transport vehicle, allowing for quick and safe pickup and placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual locking and unlocking of the implement is used during transfer between transport vehicle and working machine, then the implement can be securely attached, but additional setup time is required and operational safety is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the coupling state detection, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the coupling sensor to trigger the drive device, which automatically actuates the locking mechanism to the appropriate state.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor on the coupling device provides feedback about the coupled or uncoupled state to the drive device. This feedback loop enables the locking device to automatically respond to changes in coupling status, ensuring the implement is securely locked during transport and automatically unlocked when attached to the working machine.
2Reliability
If the locking device is manually operated, then the implement can be secured in position, but the operator must intervene which reduces operational safety during the transition state
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on the coupling state detection, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the coupling sensor to trigger the drive device, which automatically actuates the locking mechanism to the appropriate state.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is proactively actuated based on the coupling state before any potential safety issues can arise. When the sensor detects coupling, the drive device automatically unlocks the locking mechanism in advance, ensuring the implement is never in an unsafe intermediate state during transition.
3Productivity
If automated locking and unlocking is implemented using sensor and drive device, then operational reliability and speed are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor on the coupling device provides feedback about the coupled or uncoupled state to the drive device. This feedback loop enables the locking device to automatically respond to changes in coupling status, ensuring the implement is securely locked during transport and automatically unlocked when attached to the working machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical coupling connection between implement and working machine, and simultaneously acts as a sensor to detect the coupling state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensing components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Position securing device and device unit (1) equipped therewith for securing a work tool (10) attachable to a work machine (100) via a coupling device to a transport trolley (20), wherein the device comprises: a sensor (31a) configured to detect a coupled state and an uncoupled state of the coupling device, a receiving device with first and second functional sections (33a, 34a) which are attached to a first longitudinal side of the transport trolley orof the working device (10) are provided, wherein the first and second functional sections can be engaged so that the first longitudinal sides are supported against each other, wherein the second longitudinal sides of the working device and the transport carriage point in the same direction, a locking device (35a) which can be brought into a locked state in which it prevents the engagement of the functional sections from being released, and an unlocked state in which it allows this engagement to be released, and a drive device which is connected to the sensor in order to be controlled by it, and to the locking device in order to drive it, so that it is brought into the locked state when the sensor detects the uncoupled state, and is brought into the unlocked state when the sensor detects the coupled state.