Ground-Sensing Tractor Linkage Control for Uneven Field Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractors with three-point linkages struggle to maintain optimal attachment settings on uneven ground due to frequent changes in ground profile during field cultivation, leading to inefficiencies in load distribution and operation.
Innovation Solution
A work train system with a tractor and attachment featuring an adjustable lifting gear and ground sensors, where an attachment control unit autonomously adjusts the tractor's lifting gear to maintain optimal attachment parameters by comparing actual ground conditions with target values, relieving the tractor of control logic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tractor lifting gear is fixed in position, then the structure is simple and stable, but the attachment cannot adapt to changing ground profiles during field cultivation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lifting gear adjustable and controllable during operation. The attachment control unit dynamically adjusts the position of the top link and lower links based on real-time ground profile detection, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to changing conditions during field cultivation
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment control unit autonomously detects ground profile changes using ground sensors and automatically adjusts the lifting gear parameters without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system serves itself by comparing detected parameters with target values and autonomously controlling the actuators to maintain optimal attachment settings
Solution Approach 3:
The patent implements feedback control where the attachment control unit continuously detects actual ground conditions using ground sensors, compares them with target values, and adjusts the lifting gear accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the attachment maintains optimal contact with the ground despite profile changes
2Productivity
If the attachment control unit autonomously adjusts the lifting gear, then adaptability to ground changes improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional components: ground sensors for detection, attachment control unit for processing and decision-making, and actuators for execution. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, improving overall productivity while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses sensors, electronic processing, and automated actuators. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated control systems improves productivity by enabling continuous autonomous adaptation to ground conditions
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
Enhances the effectiveness of agricultural attachments by rapidly adapting to ground changes, ensuring consistent performance and load distribution, even on uneven terrain, through independent control of the attachment's lifting gear.
Implementation Method 1
at least one ground sensor, wherein the attachment control unit is designed to detect a guidance parameter of the attachment relative to a ground by means of the at least one ground sensor
Implementation Method 2
The three-point linkage has a top link and two lower links, which can typically be pivoted by hydraulic cylinders. By pivoting the lower links, the linkage and attachment can be raised or lowered
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a work train (1) with a tractor (2), comprising a vehicle body (3), a tractor control unit (5) and an adjustable tractor lifting gear (6) controllable by the latter, which has an upper link (7) pivotable relative to the vehicle body (3) and two lower links (9) laterally offset relative to a transverse axis (Y) and arranged at least partially below it relative to a vertical axis (Z), which lower links are pivotable relative to the vehicle body (3) by actuators, and with an attachment (15, 25) which, in the operating state, is coupled to the tractor lifting gear (6) and which has at least one ground sensor (21) and an attachment control unit (23) which is designed to detect, by means of the at least one ground sensor (21), a guidance parameter (F, H) of the attachment (15, 25) in relation to a ground (50) and to compare it with a target value (Fs, Hs).In order to optimise the effectiveness of an attachment on a three-point linkage of a tractor on uneven ground, the invention provides that the attachment control unit (23) is designed to control the tractor linkage (6) at least indirectly in the event of a deviation from the target value (Fs, Hs) in order to carry out a correction by means of which the control parameter (F, H) is at least approximated to the target value (Fs, Hs).