Automatically moveable soil working device with an obstacle detection device comprising a bumper and at least one impact sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-propelled soil cultivation devices face issues with obstacle detection sensitivity due to misalignment and increased frictional forces caused by non-tilt-resistant bumper mounts, leading to reduced sensitivity and inconsistent operating strokes.
Innovation Solution
The bumper is mounted on the base body via a pivot joint with a support body, allowing it to move in a single plane parallel to the direction of travel, using a pivot joint with three axes of rotation to maintain consistent sensitivity and reduce friction, eliminating the need for elastic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the bumper is mounted using a linear bearing arrangement, then the bumper can detect forces in the direction of travel, but tilting moments cause misalignment and increased friction reducing sensor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the linear bearing mechanical system with a magnetic field-based sensor system. The Hall effect sensor detects bumper displacement through magnetic field changes without physical contact, eliminating friction and misalignment issues inherent in mechanical bearing arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical displacement detection to magnetic field detection. By using a Hall effect sensor that responds to magnetic field strength changes, the system achieves contactless measurement that is immune to mechanical friction and tilting moments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor element is made of elastically resilient material, then it can detect lateral forces through deformation, but forces perpendicular to movement cause deformation reducing detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces elastic material deformation detection with a magnetic field-based displacement sensor. The Hall effect sensor measures bumper position changes directly through magnetic field variations, providing accurate force detection without the inaccuracies introduced by elastic material deformation.
3Device complexity
If the bumper is attached directly to the base body, then the structure is simplified, but obstacle detection sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the bumper and base body. The Hall effect sensor uses magnetic field lines as a mediator to detect bumper displacement without requiring direct mechanical coupling or complex mounting structures, achieving both simplicity and sensitivity.
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
This design ensures reliable obstacle detection regardless of impact direction, maintains consistent operating strokes, and reduces the required installation space while enhancing sensor sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor element consists of a Hall effect sensor with which the position of the bumper can be detected by means of a change in the magnetic field strength
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a self-propelled soil cultivation implement (1) comprising a base body (2), a drive unit, and an obstacle detection device (3) for detecting a collision of the soil cultivation implement (1) with an obstacle. The obstacle detection device (3) includes a bumper (4) arranged in a forward position on the base body (2) and at least one impact sensor (5) associated with the bumper (4). The impact sensor (5) is configured to detect a displacement of the bumper (4) relative to the base body (2). To create an obstacle detection device (3) that functions optimally regardless of the position and direction of an externally acting force, it is proposed that the bumper (4) be mounted on the base body (2) via at least one pivot joint (6).