Implement Steering System Speed-Based Auto Disable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implement steering systems for farm equipment lack automatic speed adaptation, leading to inadequate response during high-speed transport and requiring manual enable/disable operations, which can cause driver distraction and misalignment issues, especially during headland turns.
Innovation Solution
An implement steering system that automatically disables at high travel speeds, self-centers during transport, and selectively enables/disables based on speed and mode of operation, using sensors and hydraulic control to maintain alignment and reduce operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the implement steering system remains activated at high travel speeds, then the system can provide continuous steering control, but the system lacks response time to make timely corrections and may cause unsafe steering actions
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on travel speed. The controller automatically disables the steering system when travel speed exceeds a threshold, and automatically re-enables it when speed drops below the threshold. This dynamic adaptation ensures safety by preventing steering actions at high speeds while maintaining steering capability when appropriate.
2Reliability
If the operator manually enables and disables the steering system based on speed conditions, then the system can operate safely, but the operator becomes distracted from forward operation
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system performs self-management by automatically monitoring travel speed and adjusting its own operational state. The controller continuously monitors speed and automatically disables/enables the steering system without operator intervention. This self-service approach eliminates driver distraction while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring travel speed and using this information to control the steering system's operational state. The controller receives speed feedback and automatically adjusts steering system activation accordingly, creating a self-regulating safety mechanism.
3Manufacturing precision
If the steering system is manually managed during headland turns, then alignment can be corrected, but the system requires continuous operator attention and intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system automatically monitors and corrects implement alignment during headland turns without requiring operator intervention. The controller continuously monitors steering angle and implement position, and automatically makes corrections to maintain proper alignment, freeing the operator to focus on navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical steering adjustments with automated electronic control. The controller uses sensors to monitor alignment and automatically actuates the steering mechanism, substituting operator physical intervention with an automated electronic control system that maintains precision alignment.
4Ease of operation
If the steering system operates continuously, then steering control is maintained, but the system complexity increases with manual enable/disable functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the manual enable/disable control mechanisms from the steering system, removing the complexity associated with manual speed-based control. By eliminating these controls entirely and replacing them with automatic speed-based activation, the system maintains continuous operational capability while reducing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for disabling the implement steering system of a towed implement includes monitoring a speed of the implement and if the speed exceeds a predefined limit, automatically disabling the implement steering system.