Tractor Console Sensor for Operator Presence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural tractors with removable implements like extendable brush cutters lack effective safety controls that ensure operator presence, as existing solutions are either unsuitable for all tractors or prone to false activation, leading to safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a contactless sensor within the operational console of the implement, using proximity, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, or microwave sensors to remotely verify operator presence, connected to the control unit and ensuring valid readings within a specific range and time interval, thus preventing false positives and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seat sensor is provided under the operator's seat to detect presence, then operator presence can be detected, but the tractor must be specially equipped with this sensor which is only available in tractors permanently fitted with extendable brush cutters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device - a cushion with integrated sensor - that mediates between the operator and the detection system. This cushion can be placed on any tractor seat without modifying the tractor itself, allowing presence detection on conventional tractors while maintaining reliability through the sensor integrated into the cushion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is extracted from the tractor and embedded in a removable cushion instead. This allows the detection capability to be transferred between different tractors and implements, making it adaptable to conventional tractors that weren't originally equipped with such sensors.
2Reliability
If a cushion sensor is used to detect operator presence, then consent can be provided for operation, but the device can be easily circumvented by tightly rolling up the cushion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cushion compression system with an optical or electromagnetic sensor system. Instead of relying on mechanical pressure that can be circumvented by rolling, the new system uses light or electromagnetic fields to detect the operator's presence, making circumvention much more difficult while maintaining reliable verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection method changes from mechanical pressure measurement to optical or electromagnetic field detection. This parameter change makes the system resistant to circumvention attempts like rolling up the cushion, as the new sensing mechanism detects presence through different physical parameters that cannot be easily falsified.
3Reliability
If mechanical or touch-operated consent systems are used, then operator consent can be verified, but the operator is subjected to unnecessary fatigue and unnatural positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical or touch-operated consent systems with optical or electromagnetic sensing. Instead of requiring the operator to physically interact with buttons or levers, the system automatically detects presence and provides consent verification through non-contact sensing, eliminating fatigue and unnatural positions while maintaining reliable verification.
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
Provides enhanced safety by ensuring operator presence is verified effectively and preventing unauthorized operation, reducing fatigue and interference, and is applicable to various agricultural implements beyond brush cutters.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless sensor for remote reading (21), associated with the console (17), for remotely reading the predetermined conditions of presence
Implementation Method 2
using proximity, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, or microwave sensors to remotely verify operator presence
Implementation Method 3
using proximity, electromagnetic, ultrasonic, or microwave sensors to remotely verify operator presence
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Agricultural implement, such as an extendable brush cutter or the like, for removable attachment to a tractor , comprising a console 17 for the operational control of the implement, the console being transferable from and to an operator's position P of the tractor for the remote control of the implement by an operator accommodated in the operator's position, and safety means 20 for generating an alarm signal in the absence of predetermined conditions of the presence of the operator in the operator's position. The safety means comprise at least one contactless sensor for remote reading 21 , associated with the console, for remotely reading the predetermined conditions of presence in the operator's position when the console has been transferred to the operator's position.