Three-Point Linkage Coupling via Imaging and Trajectory Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching agricultural attachments to a three-point power lift from an agricultural tractor require operator experience and can lead to misalignment, as the tractor-side coupling points are not easily visible, making it difficult for operators to recognize and correct misalignments manually.

Innovation Solution

A procedure that uses a control unit with an imaging facility to record and analyze the spatial position of the attachment interface relative to the tractor-side coupling points, allowing the actuator to adjust the coupling points to a target location along a specified rail curve, thereby simplifying the attachment process and reducing the need for manual adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of lower link arms is required for alignment, then operator control is maintained, but the coupling process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of couplingVSAvoidcomplexity of coupling process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically determining the spatial position of coupling points and calculating the required trajectory, eliminating the need for operator intervention in the alignment process. The control unit autonomously controls the actuating arrangement to move the tractor along the predetermined trajectory, achieving self-service alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system that uses imaging devices and computational algorithms to determine positions and calculate trajectories. The control unit electronically controls the actuating arrangement, substituting mechanical trial-and-error adjustment with automated positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If repeated exit from driver's cab is required for manual correction, then alignment accuracy can be improved, but the operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidtime for coupling operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device continuously captures images of the attachment-side coupling points, and the control unit analyzes these images to determine the actual spatial position. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor alignment in real-time and automatically adjust the trajectory, eliminating the need for repeated manual corrections and reducing operation time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of the spatial position of coupling points and calculates the optimal trajectory before the actual coupling operation begins. This preliminary planning allows the tractor to automatically navigate the correct path, avoiding the need for repeated trial-and-error adjustments and reducing overall operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If tractor-side coupling points are not visible from driver's cab, then structural design is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of structureVSAvoidvisibility of coupling points

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging device acts as an intermediary between the driver and the coupling points. Instead of requiring direct visual contact, the imaging device captures images of the coupling points and transmits this information to the control unit, which then uses it to determine positions and control the trajectory. This intermediary system maintains structural simplicity while enabling easy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct visual observation with an automated imaging and control system. The imaging device electronically captures the position of coupling points, substituting the mechanical/visual requirement for direct visibility from the driver's cab with an automated optical-electronic system that maintains simplicity while improving operability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4124220B1Method for supporting a coupling operation to be performed on a three point power lifter

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 DEERE & CO

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AI summary

Method for supporting a coupling process to be carried out on a three-point linkage (12) of an agricultural tractor (14), wherein the three-point linkage (12) has right and left lower links (16, 18) on which tractor-side coupling points (20, 22) are provided for attaching an implement interface (24), which can be adjusted by means of an adjusting arrangement (26) with respect to a spreading dimension (d), a lateral offset (s) and/or a height position (h).From a starting position (90) assumed by the agricultural tractor (14), a control unit determines the actual spatial position of the implement-side coupling points (40, 42) of the implement interface (24) relative to the tractor-side coupling points (20, 22) by means of image acquisition and analysis using an imaging device, whereby the agricultural tractor (14) is moved along a predetermined path curve (94) into an end position (92) intended for the attachment of the implement (32) and the positioning arrangement (26) is controlled according to the course of the predetermined path curve (94) such that the tractor-side coupling points (20, 22) assume a target spatial position intended for the attachment of the implement-side coupling points (40, 42).