Dynamic Tire Pressure Control for Soil Compaction Trade-offs

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in optimizing fuel efficiency while minimizing soil and crop damage caused by vehicle compaction, as high tire pressure improves traction and stability but increases fuel efficiency at the cost of soil compaction, and low tire pressure reduces wheel slip but increases soil compaction.

Innovation Solution

A system that adjusts tire pressure based on vehicle location and mass, using a data processor to determine optimal tire pressure by considering landscape position and soil characteristics, and employing magneto-rheological or electro-rheological materials to modify the ground pressure at the interface between the vehicle and the surface, allowing for real-time adjustments to achieve a balance between fuel efficiency and soil compaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If high tire pressure is used, then fuel efficiency is improved and wheel slip is minimized, but soil compaction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidsoil compaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure in real-time based on vehicle location, landscape position, vehicle mass, and soil characteristics. The controller continuously monitors these parameters and modifies tire pressure accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic pressure management to simultaneously optimize fuel efficiency and minimize soil compaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of tire pressure based on varying operational conditions. By adjusting pressure levels according to landscape position (e.g., higher on slopes, lower in flat areas), vehicle mass, and soil characteristics, the system optimizes the balance between fuel efficiency and soil protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If low tire pressure is used, then wheel slip is reduced, but soil compaction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetraction stabilityVSAvoidsoil compaction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure in real-time based on vehicle location, landscape position, vehicle mass, and soil characteristics. The controller continuously monitors these parameters and modifies tire pressure accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic pressure management to simultaneously optimize fuel efficiency and minimize soil compaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different tire pressure levels to different situations based on local conditions. By considering landscape position, soil characteristics, and vehicle mass, the system tailors the tire pressure to the specific local conditions, providing optimal traction stability only where needed while minimizing compaction in vulnerable areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If greater area of contact is used, then soil compaction is reduced, but fuel efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil compactionVSAvoidfuel efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure in real-time based on vehicle location, landscape position, vehicle mass, and soil characteristics. The controller continuously monitors these parameters and modifies tire pressure accordingly, transitioning from static to dynamic pressure management to simultaneously optimize fuel efficiency and minimize soil compaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameter of tire pressure based on varying operational conditions. By adjusting pressure levels according to landscape position (e.g., higher on slopes, lower in flat areas), vehicle mass, and soil characteristics, the system optimizes the balance between fuel efficiency and soil protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The system effectively manages tire pressure to optimize fuel efficiency while minimizing soil compaction and crop damage by dynamically adjusting the vehicle's footprint in response to changing terrain and soil conditions, enhancing both traction and stability.

Implementation Method 1

employing magneto-rheological or electro-rheological materials to modify the ground pressure at the interface between the vehicle and the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagneto-rheological effect: Magnetorheological Fluid

Implementation Method 2

employing magneto-rheological or electro-rheological materials to modify the ground pressure at the interface between the vehicle and the surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-rheological effect: Electrorheological Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2744670B1Vehicle soil pressure management based on topography

Publication Date: 2020.12.16 DEERE & CO

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AI summary

Systems and techniques are provided for managing an interface between a machine or work vehicle and a surface that the machine/work vehicle travels on in order to provide an optimum work performance level that balances fuel efficiency and surface adversity. Fleet management and reporting capabilities pertaining to such interface management are also provided.