Lateral Stabilizer Deployment for Tractor Overturn Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tractors and attached implements are prone to overturning when operating on sloping terrain due to the weight distribution and center of gravity, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an accelerometer, processor, and linear actuator system that automatically deploys a lateral stabilizer from the tractor before reaching a critical angle of inclination, using a device-specific detection mechanism to prevent tipping by extending the stabilizer laterally from the tractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tractor operates on sloping terrain, then the tractor can perform work on varied terrain, but the tractor and implements are prone to overturning due to weight distribution and center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer detects the angle of inclination in advance, and the processor triggers the linear actuator to deploy the stabilizer before the critical overturn angle is reached. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effect of overturning while allowing the tractor to operate on sloping terrain.
2Reliability
If a stabilizer is deployed to prevent overturning, then the tractor stability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to addition of accelerometer, processor, and linear actuator system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical stability control mechanisms with an electronic control system comprising an accelerometer, processor, and linear actuator. This substitution achieves reliable overturn prevention through electronic sensing and actuation while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If the stabilizer is extended laterally from the tractor, then the overturning is prevented, but the space requirement and potential interference with attached implements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer is designed as a dynamic component that can be extended laterally only when needed for overturn prevention on sloping terrain. The linear actuator enables the stabilizer to move between retracted and extended positions, allowing the system to provide stability support when required while minimizing lateral space occupation during normal operation with attached implements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents tractor and attached implement overturning by deploying the stabilizer before the critical angle is reached, enhancing stability and safety on sloping terrain.
Implementation Method 1
A prior art accelerometer 202 has an output which is a signal representing the angle of inclination 104 at which the tractor is pitched by its operation on an inclined surface 102
Data Source
AI summary
The tipping of a tractor operating on an inclined surface is prevented by deploying a sideways moving stabilizer before the tractor's inclination angle is too low and below which the tractor will tip over.