Working Vehicle Traction Control via Torque Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing working vehicle-implement combinations face challenges in precise and efficient traction control due to limited mechanisms for setting the vehicle-implement combination, inaccurate force measurement using load pins, and complex, costly systems that are not reliable or precise.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a working vehicle-implement combination that determines engine torque, loss torques, and output torque to adjust the tractive force through control operations, eliminating the need for complex sensors and measurement bolts by using a control unit to set engine and load parameters, thereby enabling precise and efficient traction control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If force-measuring bolts with strain gauges are used to measure traction force, then traction force can be measured, but the measurement accuracy depends on implement type, the bolts become dirty quickly leading to inaccurate measurements, and too much installation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction force measurement accuracyVSAvoidcomplexity of force measurement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the force measurement function from physical load pins and strain gauges, transferring it to a control unit that calculates traction force based on engine torque, fan torque, generator torque, and pump torque measurements. This eliminates the need for mechanical force sensors while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical force measurement system (load pins, strain gauges) with an electronic calculation system. The control unit computes traction force by subtracting parasitic torques (fan, generator, pump) from engine torque, substituting mechanical sensing with electronic computation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If known traction control systems adjust implement position or vehicle acceleration based on tractive force deviation, then traction control is achieved, but the systems are too complex and expensive to manufacture and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction control reliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of traction control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit performs multiple functions: it manages engine operation, calculates parasitic torques from fan, generator, and pump, determines traction force, and executes control operations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses existing sensors already present in the vehicle (engine torque sensor, fan torque sensor, generator torque sensor, pump torque sensor) to perform traction control calculations, rather than requiring additional dedicated sensors. The system serves itself by utilizing available data infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If multiple mechanisms and parameters are available for adjusting output torque, then precise and efficient traction force control is enabled, but the system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of traction force adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of adjustment mechanisms
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts traction force control by varying engine torque and parasitic torque contributions in real-time. The control unit continuously monitors and adjusts the balance between useful work output and parasitic losses, enabling adaptive optimization without fixed mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3636060B1Method for operating a working vehicle - working appliance combination, system for a working vehicle - working appliance combination and a working vehicle - working appliance combination
Publication Date: 2023.01.18 DEERE & CO
  • EP3636060B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3636060B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3636060B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a work vehicle-work equipment combination (10) with a subsystem (16) for adjusting the work vehicle-work equipment combination (10).The procedure comprises the following steps: Determining an engine torque (28) of an engine (20) of the work vehicle-work tool combination (10) as a function of an engine parameter, determining a first loss torque (30) as a function of at least one engine loss parameter of the engine (20), determining a second loss torque (32) as a function of at least one load parameter of the at least one load system (24) of the work vehicle-work tool combination (10), determining an output torque (36) of the work vehicle-work tool combination (10) based on the engine torque (28) and the first and second loss torques (30, 32), and performing a control operation on the work vehicle-work tool combination (10) and/or the subsystem (16) as a function of the output torque (36).The invention further relates to a system for a work vehicle-work equipment combination (10) and a work vehicle-work equipment combination.