Hitch Cylinder Pressure Draft Load Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing draft load control systems for agricultural tractors are unreliable and expensive due to the need for accurate, near-instantaneous measurements, which are often limited to rear three-point hitches and prone to electrical noise interference, and lack versatility for front hitches and towed implements.
Innovation Solution
A hitch draft load measuring apparatus that utilizes hydraulic cylinder pressure to provide input to the control system for maintaining a constant draft load, compatible with both front and rear hitches, and towed implements, using existing CAN bus communication for efficient and automated control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional draft load sensing devices are used to provide accurate, near-instantaneous measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase, and reliability decreases due to electrical noise interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/electronic draft load sensing devices with a hydraulic pressure measurement system. Instead of using force sensors or load cells that are susceptible to electrical noise and require complex signal conditioning, the system uses hydraulic pressure transducers to measure cylinder pressure, which directly reflects the draft load through established hydraulic principles. This substitution eliminates electrical noise interference and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces hydraulic cylinder pressure as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure draft load. Rather than directly sensing the complex forces at the hitch point, the system measures the pressure in the hydraulic cylinder that is already experiencing those forces. This intermediary approach simplifies measurement while maintaining accuracy, as the pressure reading is a direct functional representation of the draft load.
2Adaptability or versatility
If draft control systems are limited to rear three-point hitches, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability decreases as front hitches and towed implements cannot be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal draft control system that can be applied to multiple hitch types (front three-point, rear three-point, and towed implements) using the same fundamental principle of measuring hydraulic cylinder pressure. The system uses the existing hydraulic system components already present in these different configurations, allowing a single control algorithm to manage all hitch types without requiring type-specific sensing or control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the existing hydraulic pressure measurement capabilities that are already self-contained within the tractor's hydraulic system. Rather than adding separate sensing systems for each hitch type, the system uses the hydraulic pressure that is already being monitored for other purposes, making the draft control function emerge from the existing system rather than requiring additional dedicated components.
3Productivity
If manual hitch adjustments are used, then device complexity is minimized, but productivity decreases due to continuous manual monitoring and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors hydraulic cylinder pressure and automatically adjusts hitch position to maintain desired draft load conditions. The system uses real-time pressure readings to generate control signals that adjust the hydraulic actuation, creating a closed-loop control mechanism that eliminates manual monitoring while maintaining optimal implement depth and tractor traction throughout the operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with an automated control system that uses hydraulic actuation. Instead of requiring the operator to manually monitor and adjust hitch position, the system uses electronic control of the hydraulic system to automatically maintain the desired implement depth, thereby increasing productivity while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through the use of existing hydraulic infrastructure.
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
This solution provides accurate, near-instantaneous draft load measurements, enhancing tractor efficiency and ground conditioning quality while being economical, durable, and easy to maintain, with the ability to integrate engine load parameters for refined control.
Implementation Method 1
hitch cylinder pressure to provide input to the control system for maintaining a constant draft load
Data Source
AI summary
A draft load control system for a primary motive power source that uses hitch cylinder pressure to provide input to the control system of the draft load on the power source caused by a hitch-connected or a towed, ground-engaging implement.