Automatic Tractor Hitch Control for Changing Operating Conditions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractors face challenges in optimizing working operations due to operator-dependent setting adjustments that fail to account for changing operating conditions, leading to inefficiencies in traction efficiency and work quality.
Innovation Solution
A tractor equipped with a driver assistance system featuring a computing unit, memory unit, and control device that utilizes automatic hitch control to optimize lifting gear settings based on selectable control strategies and optimization target variables, considering tractor and attachment parameters, environmental conditions, and sensor data to adjust vertical chassis force dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operator manually adjusts hitch settings based on experience, then initial setup is simple, but optimization fails to account for changing operating conditions leading to reduced traction efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The hitch control system automatically adjusts settings based on real-time operating conditions without requiring continuous operator intervention. The system self-optimizes by processing sensor data and autonomously modifying hitch parameters to maintain optimal traction efficiency throughout varying operational scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensor feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor operating conditions such as drawbar force, ground engagement, and implement position. This feedback loop enables the control system to detect changes in operating conditions and automatically adjust hitch settings to optimize traction efficiency in real-time.
2Productivity
If operator continuously monitors and adjusts settings during operation, then optimization responsiveness improves, but operator workload and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous monitoring and adjustment autonomously, eliminating the need for operator attention during operation. The automated control system handles all optimization tasks, allowing the operator to focus on navigation and overall operation management rather than micromanaging hitch settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment and physical adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensors and automated control algorithms. This substitution enables continuous optimization responsiveness while significantly reducing operator workload by transferring the adjustment task to an automated system.
3Productivity
If multiple control strategies and optimization parameters are implemented, then comprehensive optimization is achieved, but system complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to handle multiple control strategies and optimization parameters through a unified automated framework. A single multi-functional system performs position control, draft control, and slip control functions, as well as optimization based on various target variables, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control functions and optimization strategies into an integrated control system. By merging position control, draft control, slip control, and optimization algorithms into a single coordinated system, the patent achieves comprehensive optimization while managing overall system complexity through unified architecture.
4Productivity
If automatic hitch control with optimization is implemented, then traction efficiency improves, but device complexity and initial setup requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic hitch control system performs self-optimization based on real-time sensor feedback, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention. The system autonomously adjusts hitch parameters to maintain optimal traction efficiency, making the increased complexity worthwhile by freeing the operator from constant adjustment tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operating parameters such as hitch position, drawbar force, and implement angle based on detected operating conditions. This automated parameter adjustment optimizes traction efficiency across varying scenarios, justifying the increased system complexity through continuous performance optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a tractor (1) with at least one linkage (4) comprising a top link (5) and lower links (6) and associated actuators (7), and at least one implement (2) adapted to the linkage (4), comprising a driver assistance system (3) optimizing the operation of at least the tractor (1), which has a processing unit (25), a storage unit (26) and at least one input interface (9, 10), wherein the processing unit (25) processes information generated by machine-internal sensor systems, external information and information that can be stored in the storage unit (26), and wherein the tractor (1) and/or the at least one implement (2) comprise a control device (21, 22, 23) for controlling and regulating the tractor (1) and the implement (2), wherein the driver assistance system (3) comprises a linkage control unit (32), wherein the linkage control unit (32) is configured to operate based on characteristic curves.and wherein the lifting mechanism (32) is configured for an optimized setting of at least one working parameter of the tractor (1) depending on selectable control strategies (39) and/or optimization target variables (40) stored in the memory unit (26).