Coupling Device for Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling devices for work vehicles lack the ability to independently adjust the position of connected work devices relative to the vehicle, limiting their positional control and adaptability during automatic driving and operation.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device equipped with a first and second connecting portion, an actuator, and a control device that estimates positional relationships and adjusts the connecting positions based on travel lines, vehicle positions, posture, travel history, and environmental factors, using a position estimation model and global positioning system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the work device is connected only via raising and lowering control from the tractor, then the structure is simple, but the positional control capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent parts: the tractor's automatic driving control unit and the coupling device's independent control device. This allows the coupling device to autonomously adjust connecting positions without interfering with the tractor's primary control functions, thereby enhancing positional control capability while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary between the tractor and the work device, equipped with its own control device that independently manages connecting position adjustments. This intermediary function enables precise positional control of the work device relative to the tractor without requiring complex integrated control
2Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is controlled independently of the automatic driving control unit, then the positional adaptability is improved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control functions are segmented into independent units: the automatic driving control unit handles vehicle navigation while the control device in the coupling device handles connecting position adjustments. This segmentation enables positional adaptability through independent control without creating complex interdependencies
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device's control device performs self-service by independently determining and executing connecting position adjustments based on detected positional relationships. This autonomous operation enhances adaptability while avoiding the complexity of centralized control coordination
3Measurement precision
If the connecting positions are adjusted to match the travel line, then the alignment precision is improved, but the actuation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously detects the positional relationship between the work vehicle and work device, compares it with the desired travel line alignment, and automatically adjusts connecting positions accordingly. This feedback mechanism achieves high alignment precision through simple iterative correction rather than complex predictive control
Solution Approach 2:
Manual alignment operations are replaced with automated detection and control systems that use sensors and control algorithms to achieve precise alignment. The system substitutes complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with intelligent control that simplifies the actuation process while improving precision
Data Source
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AI summary
A coupling device (8) includes: a first connector (8al) configured to connect to a work vehicle (1); a second connector (8a2) configured to connect to a work device (2); an actuator (8b) configured to change a connecting position (P11, P12) of at least one of the first connector (8al) and the second connector (8a2); and a control device (70) configured to control the actuator (8b).