Electronic Start System for Agricultural Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural machine sprayer starter systems require mechanical relays for safety locks, increasing costs and assembly time, and shutting off the key turns off power to electrical components, making it inconvenient for operators to use field computers or perform tasks during engine operation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic start system that uses a key lock, button, and sensors to provide power to onboard electronics independently of the engine state, allowing safe engine starting and maintaining electronic functionality, with electronic safety locks that sense conditions to prevent engine activation unless specific criteria are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical relays are used as safety locks in the starter system, then engine starting safety is improved, but system cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical relays with an electronic control system that uses a processor to monitor sensor inputs and control starter circuit activation. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical relays while maintaining safety functions through electronic logic that prevents engine starting when safety conditions are not met.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the safety lock function from mechanical relays and implements it as a software-based safety logic within the processor. The processor executes safety checks by reading sensor states and controlling the starter circuit accordingly, removing the need for separate mechanical safety devices.
2Loss of energy
If the key is turned off to shut down the system, then power consumption is reduced, but electronic components lose power and require reloading
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the processor can independently control power delivery to different electronic components based on operational state. The system maintains power to essential electronic components even when the engine is off, allowing operators to keep computers and displays functional without requiring a complete system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power distribution into separate controllable circuits. The key switch controls overall system power, but the processor can maintain power to specific electronic components independently, allowing selective powering of different system sections to balance energy savings with operational continuity.
3Reliability
If the key is turned off to prevent engine starting, then engine safety is improved, but power is cut to all electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-off approach with an electronic safety system. The processor monitors safety conditions and controls starter circuit activation independently of the key position. This allows the key to remain in the on position, maintaining power to electronic components, while the processor prevents engine starting when safety conditions are not satisfied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the processor as an intermediary between the key switch and the starter circuit. The processor acts as a smart mediator that can allow or block engine starting based on sensor inputs, independent of the key position. This intermediary function enables the key to stay on for electronic component access while still preventing unauthorized or unsafe engine starting.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic start system for an agricultural machine is configured to enable the machine to stop the engine while continuing to power onboard electronics and start the engine so long as one or more sensed conditions are met. The system can include a key lock operated by a physical key held by an operator and a button which can be pressed by the operator. The system can also include one or more sensors disposed on the machine for detecting various conditions. When the key is turned on, power can be provided to the onboard electronics, regardless of the state of the engine. Thereafter, when the button is pressed, the engine can be turned on if the one or more sensed conditions are satisfied, such as detecting a closed door, an operator in a seat, an activated brake, and so forth.