Hydraulic Towing Device Camera Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for controlling the operation of tractors during plowing are complex, costly, and imprecise, particularly in determining the position of attachments and adjusting for soil topology, leading to uneven plowing patterns and potential engine stalling.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hydraulic actuating unit, including a camera and position detection markers, allows for direct determination of attachment inclination and height, enabling precise adjustment of the plow position relative to the soil surface, using an evaluation unit connected to a control unit to activate the hydraulic actuation system for automatic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera and position detection markers are used to determine attachment position and inclination, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to create an optical copy/image of the attachment and its position detection markers, replacing complex mechanical position sensing systems. The camera captures visual information that is then processed to determine attachment position and inclination, simplifying the physical hardware while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical position sensors and complex linkage mechanisms with an optical system consisting of a camera and image processing. This substitution eliminates the need for intricate mechanical sensing arrangements while achieving accurate position and inclination measurement through digital image analysis.
2Reliability
If draft control systems with force-measuring bolts are used to prevent engine stalling, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of draft control (preventing engine stalling) from the complex force-measuring bolt system and implements it through a simplified approach using camera-based position detection combined with hydraulic actuation. This separates the measurement function (camera) from the control function (hydraulic system), reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an evaluation unit as an intermediary between the camera and the hydraulic actuation unit. This intermediary processes image data to determine attachment position and inclination, then translates this information into appropriate hydraulic control signals, simplifying the control architecture compared to direct force measurement systems.
3Ease of operation
If position sensors with cams are used for plow position control, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to create a visual copy of the position detection markers on the attachment, eliminating the need for precise mechanical cam-position sensor interfaces. The optical copying approach is more tolerant of manufacturing variations while maintaining ease of operation through automated image-based positioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control loops (position control and draft control) are superimposed, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the position control and draft control functions into a single integrated control system. The evaluation unit processes camera data to simultaneously determine attachment position, inclination, and depth, then the hydraulic actuation unit coordinates both lifting mechanism and top link cylinder adjustments in unison, reducing the complexity of managing separate control loops while maintaining adaptability to soil profile variations.
Data Source
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) on a vehicle (2) with a hydraulic actuation unit (3) for controlling the operation of an attachment (4) on the vehicle (2), comprising at least one position detection unit (7) with at least one camera (8), at least one position detection marker (9a, 9b, 9c), an evaluation unit (10) and a data-conducting connection (11) to a control unit (13) assigned to the hydraulic actuation unit (3), wherein the at least one camera (8) is directed during operation towards the at least one position detection marker (9a, 9b, 9c) and the ground (5) in such a way that an inclination of the attachment (4) about a transverse axis (19) can be determined and the hydraulic actuation unit (3) comprises a lifting mechanism (14) for the attachment (4) and a top link cylinder (18).Furthermore, a method is proposed whereby the position of the attachment (4) can be determined by means of such a position detection device (7) and the position can be adjusted as required by a suitable operation of the hydraulic actuation unit (3).