Agricultural Implement Control via Event-Mapped Auxiliary Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural machine control systems lack efficient automatic operation of auxiliary functions, particularly in controlling functional components of implements attached to or integrated with work vehicles, such as tractors, which limits the precision and automation of agricultural tasks.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control system that automatically controls auxiliary functions by detecting operation events on the work vehicle and generating control signals to corresponding functional components on the implement, using a data bus for communication, allowing for improved automatic operation of implements through the selection and application of mapped auxiliary functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual control methods are used for auxiliary functions, then operational flexibility is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases due to continuous manual input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the control system automatically executes auxiliary functions based on detected operation events. The electronic control unit monitors sensor data and autonomously triggers mapped auxiliary functions without requiring continuous manual input, allowing the system to serve itself in controlling implement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-mapping auxiliary functions to operation events before operation begins. The electronic control unit stores mapping data that associates specific operation events with corresponding auxiliary functions, enabling automatic execution when conditions are met, thus preparing the system in advance for automated response.
2Productivity
If automatic control is implemented for auxiliary functions, then operational efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to additional control components
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control unit performs multiple functions: it detects operation events through sensors, stores mapping data, determines whether events trigger mapped functions, generates control signals, and transmits them to implement components. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be separate complex components into a single versatile control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the control of multiple auxiliary functions into a unified automated control process. The electronic control unit integrates event detection, mapping lookup, and control signal generation into a single coordinated system, reducing the complexity that would arise from separate control mechanisms for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more auxiliary functions are mapped to operation events, then operational flexibility increases, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-establishing mapping data that associates operation events with auxiliary functions. This mapping is stored in the electronic control unit's memory before operation, allowing the system to handle multiple function mappings without increasing real-time control complexity, as all associations are predetermined.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical control linkages with electronic data processing. Instead of physical connections between controls and functions, the electronic control unit uses stored mapping data to electronically associate operation events with auxiliary functions, managing complexity through software rather than hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a method for automatically controlling an auxiliary function in an electronic control system (1) of an agricultural machine, the method comprising: providing an agricultural machine having a work vehicle (6) and an implement (8) provided with a plurality of functional components (10) which are controllable in operation by a plurality of auxiliary functions provided in an electronic control system (1) of the agricultural machine, wherein each auxiliary function is configured to control one or more operation steps for at least one of the functional components (10); providing mapping data in the electronic control system (1), the mapping data being indicative of mapping the plurality of auxiliary functions to a plurality of operation events detectable for the work vehicle (6); operating the agricultural machine and detecting a first operation event for the work vehicle (6) by the detection unit (15); in response to detecting the first operation event, selecting a first auxiliary function from the plurality of auxiliary functions by a selection unit (14) of the electronic control system (1), the first auxiliary function being mapped to the first operation event; generating, by a generation unit (17) of the electronic control system (1), a first control signal assigned to the first auxiliary function in the electronic control system (1); receiving the first control signal in a first electronic control unit of the implement (8) assigned to the first functional component of the implement (8); and controlling operation of the first functional component of the implement (8) according to the first control signal by the first electronic control unit. Further, an electronic control system (1) for automatically controlling an auxiliary function of an agricultural machine, and agricultural machine are provided.