Tractor Attachment Positioning via Satellite Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural technologies face challenges in achieving precise positioning of attachments on towing vehicles, leading to deviations in planting and application of fertilizers and weed killers, especially on uneven or hilly terrain, resulting in inefficiency and environmental pollution.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a towing vehicle with a hydraulic system, multiple links, and a computer-controlled adjustment device, equipped with satellite antennas and sensors, to align attachments precisely along target lines, enabling accurate dispensing of fertilizers and weed killers, and adjusting for terrain irregularities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional towing vehicles are used without computer control, then the device complexity is low, but the positioning precision of attachments deteriorates on uneven terrain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated computer control system that uses satellite antennas for location detection and hydraulic systems for attachment adjustment. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic automation resolves the contradiction by achieving high positioning precision through GPS coordinates while managing device complexity through integrated control algorithms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The computer control system automatically adjusts attachment positions based on satellite positioning data without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates the hydraulic actuators to maintain precise positioning on uneven terrain, enabling the equipment to serve itself in maintaining accuracy while reducing the operational burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If attachments are not precisely positioned, then the ease of operation is high, but the productivity and environmental safety deteriorate due to waste and pollution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveagricultural productivityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously receives feedback from satellite antennas regarding the actual position of the towing vehicle and attachment. The computer control processes this feedback data and automatically adjusts hydraulic actuators to maintain precise positioning along target lines. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high productivity through accurate fertilizer and weed killer application while managing operational complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates and stores target position lines for the attachment based on the field layout and crop requirements. Before actual operation begins, the computer control has the ideal trajectory prepared, allowing the attachment to follow predetermined precise paths during implementation, thereby maximizing productivity and minimizing waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of substance

If manual positioning is used, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of substance increases due to imprecise application of fertilizers and weed killers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaste of fertilizers and weed killersVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual positioning with satellite-based GPS navigation and computer-controlled hydraulic positioning. This substitution enables precise application of fertilizers and weed killers along predetermined target lines, significantly reducing substance loss through accurate delivery to intended locations while managing the added device complexity through integrated control systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The computer control system pre-defines target position lines and application zones before operation. By having the ideal trajectory and dispensing points predetermined, the system ensures that fertilizers and weed killers are applied only where needed, preventing waste and environmental pollution while maintaining manageable operational complexity through automated execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method ensures precise and efficient application of fertilizers and weed killers, reducing waste and pollution by up to 80-90% of glyphosate, while maintaining accurate positioning on both flat and hilly terrain, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental safety.

Implementation Method 1

a computer control 50, by means of at least one double satellite antenna 73, attached to the towing vehicle 1 and/or the attachment 11 and/or the trailer hitch 27

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSatellite signal reception: Radar

Implementation Method 2

at least one hydraulic system 5, at least two lower links 9 and at least one upper link 10 for attaching at least one attachment 11

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3219183B1Method of managing farmland
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 WAGNER JURGEN
  • EP3219183B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3219183B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3219183B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In a method for cultivating all arable land (57) to be traversed by a towing vehicle (1) using the towing vehicle (1) with at least one hydraulic system, at least two lower links (9) and at least one top link (10) for attaching at least one implement (11) or a hitch (27) for coupling with at least one implement (11), an adjustment device (51) controlled by a computer control (50) is used, wherein the computer control (50) processes actual position and/or location data acquired by means of at least one antenna (52) designed as a double satellite antenna (73) and attached to the towing vehicle (1) and/or the implement (11) and/or hitch (27), and the adjustment device (51) is controlled by the computer control (50) such that the at least one implement (11) is in a target position relative to the towing vehicle (1) and/or the terrain,It is aligned, in particular, perpendicular to a target line (55). This allows for the precise application or release of fertilizer and herbicide, thereby reducing environmental impact.