Agricultural Implement Steering Control via Tractor Data Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural implement steering systems require additional sensory components and increased installation effort to achieve precise control of steering angles, leading to potential delays and increased tire wear due to lagged steering responses.
Innovation Solution
A device that controls the steering actuator of an agricultural implement based on the current steering angle and/or curve radius of a tractor using the Isobus data bus system, eliminating the need for additional mechanical components and sensors, and allowing for real-time cornering signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional mechanical components such as steering rods are coupled to the tractor, then the steerable axle on the attachment can be steered when the trailer drawbar deflects, but the installation effort and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling components (steering rods, mechanical linkages) with an electronic control system. The steering actuator is controlled electronically via a data bus system that receives steering signals from the tractor, eliminating the need for complex mechanical coupling between the tractor and attachment steering mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a data bus system as an intermediary between the tractor and attachment steering control. This communication interface transmits steering signals electronically, serving as a mediator that replaces direct mechanical coupling while enabling precise steering control of the attachment's steerable axle.
2Measurement precision
If separate signal cables are connected to gyroscopes or angle sensors, then cornering detection is possible, but the installation effort and sensory expenditure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the tractor's existing data bus system, which is already part of the tractor's standard equipment, to transmit steering signals to the attachment. This multi-functional approach allows the same communication infrastructure to serve both tractor control functions and attachment steering control, eliminating the need for separate sensors and signal cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The tractor's data bus system provides steering signals that can be directly used by the attachment's steering control device. The system essentially serves itself by reusing existing communication infrastructure and signals already present on the tractor, rather than requiring additional dedicated sensing and signaling components on the attachment.
3Manufacturing precision
If additional mechanical components and sensors are installed, then steering angle control can be achieved, but steering response is delayed and tire wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical signal transmission (which involves physical coupling and potential lag) with electronic signal transmission via the data bus system. Electronic signals are transmitted instantaneously, enabling real-time steering angle control of the attachment without the delays inherent in mechanical coupling systems.
4Ease of operation
If mechanical coupling components are used, then steering control is possible, but the device complexity and assembly effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical coupling components (steering rods, linkages, mechanical connectors) with an electronic control system that communicates via the tractor's data bus. This substitution dramatically simplifies assembly, as it requires only electrical connection to the data bus rather than precise mechanical alignment and coupling of multiple components.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for steering an agricultural implement (1) that can be attached to a tractor (12) and has at least one steerable axle (6), comprising a steering actuator (10) for steering said axle (6) and/or the at least one wheel of the implement (1) provided thereon, and a steering angle control device (11) for controlling the steering actuator (10). According to the invention, the steering angle control device (11) uses a tractor cornering signal provided by a data bus system (16) of the tractor (12) to determine the control signal for the steering actuator (10) of the implement (1).