Implement Load Weighing via Local Hydraulic Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural vehicles lack an efficient method for accurately determining the load weight of implements connected to them, relying on analog signals and requiring vehicle modifications when attaching different implements, which complicates data management and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An implement with a local control element and digital interface that processes sensor signals from hydraulic functions to determine load weight, transmitting this data digitally to the vehicle, allowing for accurate load weight determination without modifying the vehicle and enabling use with multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If analog signals are used for data communication between implement and work vehicle, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of load weight determination deteriorates due to signal disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical analog signal transmission system with a digital communication system. The local control element processes sensor data digitally and transmits it via digital signals to the work vehicle, eliminating the analog signal disturbances that affected measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated digital processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vehicle modifications are made to attach different implements, then adaptability of the vehicle is improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen due to required modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The implement becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own local control element and digital interface. The implement independently processes sensor data and communicates with the work vehicle without requiring vehicle modifications. This self-service approach allows the same implement to be attached to different work vehicles without adapting the vehicle, reversing the adaptation burden to the implement side where it is more easily managed.
3Ease of operation
If intelligence is centralized in the work vehicle, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens when switching between different implements
Solution Approach 1:
The control intelligence is segmented and distributed to the local control element on the implement side. This local intelligence handles data processing and communication independently, allowing each implement to maintain its own operational intelligence. This segmentation enables easy switching between different implements while preserving ease of operation, as each implement brings its own control capabilities rather than relying on centralized vehicle intelligence that would require reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
An implement connectable to a work vehicle includes an arm, a fastening arrangement arranged at a first part of the arm, and an attaching arrangement. The fastening arrangement is connectable to the work vehicle an attaching arrangement is arranged at second part of the arm. The attaching arrangement is attachable to a tool. The implement further includes a second hydraulic circuit configured to carry hydraulic fluid to at least one second hydraulic function. The first hydraulic function comprises a lifting function and a local control element. The implement further includes at least one second sensor arranged to obtain sensor signals at least related to the lifting function, a local control element and a digital interface to the work vehicle. The control element is arranged to receive and process the received sensor signals so as to determine a load weight and to feed the determined load weight to the digital interface.