Cardan Angle Sensing for Automatic Power Take-off Disengagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractors with towed trailers experience cardan breakage due to excessive angle formation during turns, requiring manual disengagement and re-engagement of the power take-off, which is distracting and potentially dangerous, leading to energy waste and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensing means around the cardan to detect angles between the tractor, trailer, and cardan, with automatic disengagement and re-engagement of the power take-off when threshold angles are exceeded, eliminating the need for operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual disengagement and re-engagement of power take-off is used during turns, then cardan breakage is prevented, but driver distraction and operational inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects when the cardan angle exceeds the safe threshold and autonomously disengages the power take-off without requiring driver intervention. The sensing means continuously monitors the angle and triggers automatic disengagement, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminate the need for manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing means provides continuous feedback on the cardan angle to the control system. When the angle exceeds the predetermined threshold, the feedback signal triggers the automatic disengagement mechanism. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the cardan is protected while eliminating the need for constant driver monitoring.
2Reliability
If manual disengagement of power take-off is performed during turns, then cardan breakage is avoided, but operational time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing means continuously monitors the cardan angle in advance and triggers automatic disengagement before the angle reaches the critical threshold that would cause breakage. This preliminary detection and action prevents the need for emergency stops and manual intervention, maintaining operational efficiency while protecting the cardan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages the disengagement and re-engagement of the power take-off without requiring driver intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the time loss associated with manual operations and maintains continuous productivity while protecting the cardan from breakage.
3Productivity
If power take-off remains engaged during excessive angle turns, then continuous operation is maintained, but cardan breakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing means provides real-time feedback on the cardan angle to the control system. When the angle exceeds the predetermined threshold, the feedback signal immediately triggers automatic disengagement of the power take-off, preventing cardan breakage while minimizing interruption to operational continuity.
4Ease of operation
If automatic sensing and disengagement system is implemented, then driver distraction is reduced and safety is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the manual mechanical operation of disengaging the power take-off with an automatic sensing and control system. The sensing means detects the cardan angle and the control system automatically actuates the disengagement mechanism, substituting complex automated systems for simple manual operations to reduce driver distraction and enhance safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a vehicle (1) with trailer (2), operatlvely connected thereto through a cardan (3), comprising sensing means (4) of the angle (α, β) between the vehicle (1) and the cardan (3), between the trailer (2) and the cardan (3) or between the vehicle (1) and the trailer (2), comparison means of the angle with a threshold angle and means (7) which disengage the power take-off upon exceeding in one direction the threshold angle and which engage It when the angle exceeds again the threshold angle in the opposite direction. The vehicle according to the present invention is a towed load.