Sensor-Controlled Smart Implements for Variable Power Delivery

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural implements often consume large amounts of energy and time, contributing to increased pollution and energy consumption, and operate at constant capacity until disconnected, leading to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A smart implement system with sensors, a controller, and a communication unit that adjusts power consumption based on environmental conditions and task requirements, allowing variable power delivery and operation optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If implements operate at constant capacity until disconnected, then task completion is ensured, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask completionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The implement transitions from static constant-capacity operation to dynamic variable-capacity operation. The controller continuously adjusts the implement's power consumption based on real-time sensor data about environmental conditions and task requirements, allowing the implement to operate at optimal capacity levels rather than fixed maximum capacity throughout the entire operation cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the implement by adjusting power consumption levels dynamically. The controller modifies operational parameters such as motor speed, hydraulic flow, or actuator force based on sensor feedback, enabling the implement to adapt its energy consumption to match actual task demands rather than maintaining constant high-power operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If implements consume large amounts of energy, then task completion speed is maintained, but pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask completion speedVSAvoidpollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor environmental conditions and task progress, transmit this data to the controller, which then adjusts power consumption accordingly. This feedback loop enables the implement to maintain adequate task completion speed while reducing energy waste and associated pollution by avoiding unnecessary high-power operation during periods when full capacity is not required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If implements operate at 100% capacity, then work is completed efficiently, but time consumption increases for large tracts of land

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework completion efficiencyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The implement employs periodic adjustment of power consumption levels rather than continuous maximum capacity operation. The controller periodically assesses sensor data and adjusts operational intensity accordingly, allowing the implement to alternate between high-power and reduced-power modes based on varying task demands across different sections of the tract, thereby reducing overall time consumption while maintaining work completion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12514140B2Smart implements

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 AGTONOMY

AI summary

An example smart implement includes a power takeoff connector, one or more sensors, a controller, and a communication unit. The power takeoff connector attaches the smart implement to a tractor. The one or more sensors generate implement data. The controller is configured to determine operating parameters based on the implement data from the one or more sensors. The communication unit is configured to communicate with the tractor.