Tractor Implement Control System for Wheel Slippage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implement control systems attached to tractors via three-point linkage struggle to maintain consistent working depth due to wheel slippage, leading to inconsistent operation.
Innovation Solution
A control system with adjustable upper and lower links, utilizing a double-acting hydraulic cylinder and electronic control unit that adjusts the effective length of the upper link and raises the lower links based on wheel slippage levels to redistribute weight and reduce slippage, ensuring consistent implement depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the implement weight is supported entirely by depth control wheels, then the implement can maintain working depth through wheel contact, but wheel slippage occurs causing inconsistent depth control
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the weight distribution between the tractor and depth control wheels by varying the upper link length in real-time based on slippage detection, transitioning from a static support system to an adaptive one that maintains optimal contact force
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors wheel slippage and uses this feedback to adjust the upper link length, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically corrects depth inconsistencies caused by slippage
2Object-generated harmful factors
If weight is transferred to the tractor by shortening the upper link, then wheel slippage is reduced, but the implement working depth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth control function is segmented into two independent mechanisms: upper link length adjustment for slippage control and lower link raising for depth maintenance, allowing each to operate independently to resolve their conflicting objectives
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the upper link length is made adjustable to control weight transfer, then slippage can be reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A hydraulic cylinder is used to provide the mechanical force needed for upper link length adjustment, leveraging fluid power to achieve smooth, controlled weight transfer without complex mechanical actuation systems
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A control system for an implement (10) mounted on a tractor (11) via a three point linkage (10) and which has one or more depth control wheels (13) which contact the ground and which support at least part of the weight of the implement. The three point linkage has an upper link (17) and two lower links ( 14, 15), the upper link including an adjusting means such as an hydraulic cylinder (18) to vary its effective length and the lower links being provided with raising means (16) to raise the implement. The control system has a control unit (23) which received signals indicative of the level of slippage of one or more wheels of the tractor and which in response to a wheel slippage level above a first level (X) operates the adjusting means (18) to shorten the effective length of the upper link (17) to transfer some of the weight of the implement (10) onto the tractor to reduce wheel slippage. The control unit (23) also operates the lower link raising means (16) to raise the lower links (14,15) and hence the implement, if the wheel slippage level exceeds a second higher level (Z).