Self-Adjusting Cable Guide for Grid-Powered Hybrid Tractors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The agricultural sector faces challenges such as labor scarcity, high input costs due to diesel fuel, and environmental impact from diesel consumption, which hinder the efficiency and sustainability of farming. Additionally, electric motor-driven tractors powered by grid electricity are not widely adopted due to safety concerns and high costs associated with battery-operated electric tractors.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid electric vehicle system that utilizes grid power for field work and battery power for on-road travel, equipped with a self-adjusting cable guide system and a cable reeler. This system eliminates the need for manual cable handling, reduces safety risks, and integrates a radio-remote system for operator control from a distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If grid-powered electric tractor is used, then fuel costs and environmental impact are reduced, but safety concerns arise due to manual cable handling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide system automatically adjusts and manages the power cable during tractor operation, eliminating the need for manual cable handling by operators. The system self-regulates cable deployment and retraction based on tractor movement, thereby resolving the safety concerns while maintaining grid-powered operation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
A cable guide mechanism acts as an intermediary between the power cable and the tractor, automatically managing cable tension, deployment, and retraction. This intermediary system eliminates direct human interaction with the cable, resolving safety concerns while enabling grid-powered operation
2Object-generated harmful factors
If battery-operated electric tractor is used, then environmental impact is reduced, but cost increases significantly due to high-capacity battery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between grid-powered operation during field work and battery-powered operation during on-road travel. This dynamic power source selection allows the use of a smaller, more cost-effective battery while still achieving environmental benefits, resolving the cost barrier
3Device complexity
If manual cable handling is used, then system complexity is reduced, but labor requirements increase and safety risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide system automatically manages cable deployment, tension, and retraction without human intervention. The system self-adjusts based on tractor movement and cable position, eliminating labor requirements while the mechanical design keeps overall system complexity manageable
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards hybrid electric vehicle with self-adjusting cable guide system comprising a cable reeler horizontally placed on the hybrid electric vehicle chassis. Cable reeler configured to establish connection between flexible trailing cable originating from grid power source to vehicle power control panel through changeover switch. Changeover switch configured to facilitate use of grid power for normal work and battery power for on road travel. The power control panel configured to supply electric power to electric motor of the hybrid electric vehicle. The cable reeler includes a self-adjusting cable guide and a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor is configured to wind the trailing cable when the hybrid electric vehicle moves toward the grid power source. Hydraulic motor configured to unwind trailing cable when hybrid electric vehicle moves away from grid power source.