Dynamic Voltage Switching in Agricultural Tractor-Implement Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural systems face challenges in efficiently adjusting to varying operational needs due to limitations in data and power signal transmission between tractors and implements, particularly in providing multiple DC driving voltages for different operational modes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves connecting a tractor control network and an implement control network through a data bus, allowing for the transmission of control signals and power supply using a tractor power supply that provides multiple DC driving voltages, with control signals indicating the selected voltage for operation, and switching between voltages as needed based on operational modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single DC driving voltage is provided by the tractor power supply, then the power supply system is simple, but the agricultural system cannot adapt to different operational modes (full-load and part-load operations)
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is made dynamic by enabling the tractor power supply to switch between multiple DC driving voltages (first and second voltages) based on operational mode. The implement control network dynamically selects and communicates the required voltage through control signals on the data bus, allowing the system to adapt from full-load to part-load operations without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameter (voltage level) provided by the tractor power supply to match different operational requirements. The tractor power supply can output either a first DC driving voltage or a second DC driving voltage, and this parameter change is controlled through signals transmitted over the data bus between the implement control network and tractor control network.
2Reliability
If separate power supply lines are used for each DC voltage, then voltage selection is reliable, but the system complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The data bus serves multiple functions: it transmits control signals from the implement control network to the tractor control network, exchanges operational data, and simultaneously conveys voltage selection information. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated control lines for voltage selection, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining reliable voltage control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the voltage selection control function with the existing data communication bus. Instead of using separate control lines, the voltage selection signals are combined with the data communication signals on the same data bus, allowing both control and communication functions to share the same physical infrastructure.
3Productivity
If the tractor power supply automatically provides fixed voltage, then the power supply system is simple to control, but it cannot respond to varying operational needs of different implements
Solution Approach 1:
The implement control network provides feedback to the tractor control network about its operational mode and voltage requirements. Through the data bus, the implement control network communicates which DC driving voltage (first or second) is needed, allowing the tractor power supply to respond appropriately to the actual operational needs of the connected implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement control network autonomously determines its own voltage requirements and communicates these needs to the tractor control network. The system serves itself by having the implement specify its own power requirements without manual intervention, improving operational efficiency while maintaining automated control.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention refers to an agricultural system and a method of operating the system. An implement is connected to a tractor. A tractor control network (4) and an implement control network (5) are connected through a data bus (6). Control signals are transmitted over a signal line of the data bus (6). A driving power supply is provided by a tractor power supply (13) to a working unit (10b) of the implement through a driving power supply line, the tractor power supply (13) configured to provide a plurality of different driving voltages. Driving power supply control signals are received in the tractor control network (4), the driving power supply control signals being sent from the implement control network (5) over the signal line and indicating a present driving voltage. The present driving voltage is supplied over the driving power supply line to the working unit (10b).