Field-Entry Driver Assistance for Auto-Loading Tractor Implement Settings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing driver assistance systems for agricultural vehicle combinations are inefficient and computationally demanding due to the need for manual adjustment of machine settings and operator-specific profiles, which vary frequently, requiring time-consuming data collection and high computing power.

Innovation Solution

A driver assistance system that automatically loads field-specific machine settings and operator profiles from a database upon entering a new field, using geolocation to trigger data retrieval and adjust tractor and implement settings accordingly, reducing setup time and operator burden.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual adjustment of machine settings and operator profiles is performed for each field entry, then operator control and customization are maintained, but setup time increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-loads operator profiles and machine settings into a database before the vehicle enters the field. When the vehicle crosses the geolocated boundary, the system automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-stored configuration, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during field setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects field entry via geolocation, retrieves the corresponding operator profile and machine settings from the database, and applies them without requiring operator intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously configuring machine parameters based on location data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If operator-specific profiles and machine settings are manually configured for each operator, then individual operator preferences and requirements are accommodated, but the complexity of system configuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator profile customizationVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The database serves as a universal storage mechanism that consolidates all operator profiles and machine settings in one location. The system can retrieve and apply any operator's configuration by identifying the current operator and field, making the system adaptable to multiple operators without increasing configuration complexity for each individual

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The database acts as an intermediary between operators and machine settings. Instead of directly managing complex configurations for each operator, the system stores all settings in the database and retrieves them automatically based on operator identification and field location, simplifying the interaction between operators and machine parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If field-specific machine settings are adjusted during work order execution, then optimization for current field conditions is achieved, but computational resources and processing power are heavily consumed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield operation optimizationVSAvoidcomputational power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Machine settings and optimization parameters are pre-calculated and stored in the database before field entry. When the vehicle enters the field, the system retrieves these pre-processed settings rather than performing complex calculations in real-time, significantly reducing computational power consumption during actual field operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4480294B1Driver assistance system for controlling an agricultural vehicle and implement combination
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 CLAAS SAULGAU GMBH
  • EP4480294B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4480294B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention relates to a driver assistance system (5) for controlling an agricultural vehicle combination (4), wherein the vehicle combination (4) comprises a tractor (1) and an agricultural implement (2), wherein the driver assistance system (5) is connected via a communication means (12) to at least one database (13) in which machine settings (20) of at least one combination of tractor (1) and implement (2) are stored, wherein the driver assistance system (5) is designed and configured to detect the initial entry of the vehicle combination (4) into a field (25, 26) or an area (40) for cultivation by crossing a geolocated boundary (27) of the field (25, 26) or the area (40), and to retrieve a data record (39) of a driver profile (19) and/or an associated machine setting (20) of the vehicle combination (4) assigned to the field (25, 26) or the area (40) upon initial entry into the field. (25,26) or the area (40) from at least one database (13) and to set the tractor (1) and/or the implement (2) according to the loaded driver profile (19) and/or the loaded machine setting (20).