Semi-mounted plough lateral pulling compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semi-mounted ploughs experience lateral pulling issues due to the deviation of the traction force vector from the ideal position, leading to deteriorated steering ability and increased tractive power requirements, which necessitate increased driver attention and fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an elastic energy accumulator at a lateral distance to the vertical articulation axis generates a torque that compensates for the yaw moment, allowing the tractor to automatically steer along the furrow edge without additional driver intervention, and an adjustable spring accumulator adapts to varying ground and tractive force conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the traction force vector deviates from the ideal position, then the semi-mounted plough can be implemented with a trailing configuration, but lateral pulling on the tractor arises leading to deteriorated steering ability and increased tractive power requirement
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic energy accumulator is introduced as an intermediary element between the plough frame and the towing hitch. This accumulator is arranged at a lateral distance to the vertical articulation axis, creating a torque about the articulation axis that compensates for the yaw moment caused by lateral pulling. The energy accumulator acts as a mediator that transfers and adjusts forces to eliminate the adverse lateral pulling effect on the tractor.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the energy accumulator is specifically arranged at a lateral distance from the articulation axis, changing the geometric parameters of the force transmission path. This parameter change creates a lever arm that generates a compensating torque, transforming the force distribution to eliminate lateral pulling while maintaining the trailing plough configuration.
2Ease of operation
If an elastic energy accumulator is arranged at a lateral distance to the articulation axis to compensate yaw moment, then lateral pulling is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic energy accumulator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a spring element for force compensation, an energy storage device for absorbing shocks and vibrations, and a torque-generating element through its lateral arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving lateral pulling reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy accumulator automatically generates the compensating torque through its elastic properties and geometric arrangement, without requiring active control systems or additional actuators. The system self-regulates the yaw moment compensation based on the plough's position and loading conditions, eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the plough is designed as a single axle trailer with articulated joint behind the rear axle, then the plough can be maneuvered in a steerable manner, but a jaw moment arises on the tractor steering the tractor to the ploughed land
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic energy accumulator positioned at a lateral distance from the articulation axis acts as a mediator that generates a counter-torque to compensate for the jaw moment. This intermediary element transfers forces between the plough frame and towing hitch in such a way that the net moment on the tractor is reduced, allowing maneuverability to be maintained while minimizing the adverse jaw moment effect.
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 solution reduces lateral pulling on the tractor, decreases drive energy requirements, and maintains adaptability during cornering, thereby alleviating the burden on the driver and optimizing fuel efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Through arrangement of an elastic energy accumulator at a lateral distance to a vertical articulation axis, which forms the articulated joint of the tractor-plough combination, a torque is generated about the articulation axis, which compensates the yaw moment, which acts on the tractor. Through the elasticity of the energy accumulator the adaptability of the combination is preserved even when cornering.
Implementation Method 2
By using a fluid piston cylinder in hydraulic connection with an adjustable pressure source and at least one pressure accumulator element a high energy density can be provided in a small installation space.
Implementation Method 3
The liquid pushed out during steering motions by the fluid cylinder is received in a preferably preloaded pressure accumulator and during the reverse motion of the fluid cylinder released again under pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-mounted plough has a rear chassis, the plough trailing behind a plough-towing tractor in a laterally pivotable or steerable manner by a vertically oriented joint. In order to compensate lateral pulling for the tractor, which is generated by the traction force of the plough about the vertical axis of the tractor, an energy accumulator is arranged, which generates a torque counteracting the lateral pulling.