Agricultural Implement Part-Width Control via Linkage Angle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural working machines face challenges in precisely controlling part-width sections due to the offset of the linkage from the towing vehicle, making it difficult to account for already worked areas and leading to inefficient resource use and potential over-processing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an angle sensor to measure the angle between the towing vehicle and the linkage, along with a position sensor and a control unit with internal memory to store geometry data, allowing for independent control of each section based on measured angles and positions, enabling precise switching of sections between active and inactive states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS sensors are used to determine the position of the entire agricultural working machine, then the position can be determined, but the offset of the linkage from the towing vehicle makes it difficult to account for already worked areas
Solution Approach 1:
The working width is divided into multiple independently controllable part-width sections. Each section can be switched on or off independently based on its specific position relative to already worked areas, allowing precise control despite the linkage offset from the towing vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from whole-machine position control to section-level position control by adding the dimension of angular measurement. The angle sensor measures the angle between the towing vehicle and the linkage, providing an additional dimensional parameter that enables accurate determination of each section's position relative to the field boundaries.
2Device complexity
If the entire working width is controlled as one unit, then the control system is simple, but already worked areas cannot be precisely identified and re-processing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The working width is segmented into multiple part-width sections that can be controlled independently. This segmentation allows the system to switch off specific sections that are over working already processed areas while keeping other sections active, thereby eliminating re-processing and improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts the operating state of each part-width section based on real-time angular position data. Sections are switched on or off dynamically as the agricultural working machine moves through the field, enabling adaptive control that optimizes productivity.
3Ease of operation
If sections are switched on or off based on whole machine position, then material distribution is simplified, but precise control of each section is lost leading to resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The material distribution system is segmented into multiple independently controlled part-width sections. Each section can be activated or deactivated based on its specific spatial relationship to already worked areas, preventing material application in over-processed zones and reducing substance loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the working width receive different control treatments based on their local position. Sections that are over already worked areas are switched off to prevent material waste, while sections over unworked areas remain active, ensuring optimal material distribution throughout the field.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage is connected via drawbar or similar connections, then the working machine has flexibility in movement, but the offset makes it difficult to account for already worked areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the linkage offset by introducing angular measurement as an additional dimensional parameter. The angle sensor measures the angle between the towing vehicle and the linkage, providing the information needed to accurately calculate the position of each part-width section despite the flexible drawbar connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage offset problem is solved by substituting mechanical alignment requirements with sensor-based measurement. Instead of requiring the linkage to be directly behind the towing vehicle for accurate positioning, the system uses angle sensors and control algorithms to determine and compensate for the offset, replacing mechanical precision requirements with electronic measurement and control.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
Agricultural working machine comprising a towing vehicle and a working implement connected to each other via a connection, wherein the working implement has a linkage comprising at least two switchable sections, characterized in that the working machine includes an angle sensor that can measure the angle between the towing vehicle and the linkage and that the sections can be switched independently of each other depending on the measured angle and a corresponding method for switching sections.