Implement Hydraulic Control via Local Digital Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural vehicle implements, such as front loaders, require complex control systems that integrate with the tractor's control units, leading to increased manufacturing costs and limited flexibility when attaching or detaching implements, as the tractor must be pre-equipped with specific components for each type of implement, which complicates the control of hydraulic functions and tool operations.
Innovation Solution
An implement with a local control element that includes a digital interface to receive operator control signals, determine valve control signals, and transmit them directly to control valves, allowing for independent operation without requiring additional intelligence or components on the tractor, enabling attachment to any vehicle without prior preparation and allowing the implement to manage its own hydraulic functions and tool operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the implement uses a complex control system that integrates with the tractor's control units, then the control precision and reliability of hydraulic functions are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the adaptability to different vehicles decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into a local control element on the implement and the tractor's existing control units. The local control element handles implement-specific control functions independently, while communicating only necessary signals to the tractor, thus maintaining control reliability without requiring full integration with each tractor's system.
Solution Approach 2:
The local control element is designed as a universal component that can interface with different tractor control systems through standard digital communication protocols. This allows the same implement control system to work with multiple vehicle types without customization, improving adaptability while maintaining reliable control.
2Manufacturing precision
If the implement integrates with pre-equipped tractor components, then the control precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost of the tractor increases and the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The implement carries its own local control element that independently manages control functions. This self-service approach eliminates the need for the tractor to be pre-equipped with specific control components for each implement type, reducing tractor manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining precise control through the implement's own control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The local control element acts as an intermediary between the operator's control inputs and the implement's hydraulic functions. It processes control signals and directly actuates control valves, providing precise control without requiring complex integration with the tractor's control system, thus simplifying tractor manufacturing.
3Reliability
If the implement requires pre-equipped tractor components for operation, then the reliability of hydraulic function control is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control intelligence is extracted from the tractor and placed into a local control element on the implement. This extraction eliminates the need for complex integration between tractor and implement control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable hydraulic control through the implement's self-contained control capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the implement uses a local control element with digital interface, then the adaptability to different vehicles is improved and manufacturing costs are reduced, but the complexity of the control signal processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical or analogue control linkages are replaced with a digital interface and local control element. The digital interface communicates control signals electronically, simplifying the physical connection between implement and vehicle while the local control element processes signals digitally, reducing mechanical complexity and improving adaptability to different vehicle types.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an implement connectable to a working vehicle. The implement includes an arm, a fastening arrangement arranged at a first part of the arm, and an attaching arrangement connected to a second part of the arm. The fastening arrangement is connectable to the working vehicle. The attaching arrangement is attachable to a working tool. The implement further includes a first hydraulic circuit configured to carry hydraulic fluid to at least one first hydraulic function and a local control element. The implement further includes a digital interface to the working vehicle. The local control element is arranged to receive an operator control signal via said digital interface for operator control of the at least one first hydraulic function.