Tractor-Baler Dual Clutch Stop Control for Timed Bale Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural balers require manual intervention for tractor stopping, bale wrapping, and ejection, leading to a repetitive and time-consuming process, especially when using dual clutch transmissions.
Innovation Solution
An automated tractor stop sequence integrated with bale wrapping functionality, utilizing a dual clutch transmission system controlled by a tractor controller to stop the tractor without applying brakes, synchronized with bale wrapping initiation, and incorporating operator notification through a baler controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tractor stopping and bale wrapping is used, then the operator can control each step, but the process becomes repetitive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the baler controller automatically initiates tractor stopping sequences and bale wrapping operations without continuous manual intervention. The operator simply activates the stop command device, and the system autonomously coordinates the transmission control, braking, and wrapping initiation, eliminating repetitive manual tasks while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system. The baler controller electronically coordinates with the tractor controller to automatically manage transmission gear changes, clutch engagement, and brake application sequences, substituting manual mechanical control with automated electronic control systems that improve efficiency.
2Productivity
If automated tractor stop is implemented, then productivity increases, but the transmission control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated stop sequence is segmented into distinct control phases: gear selection, clutch engagement, brake application, and wrapping initiation. Each phase is independently controlled by the baler controller coordinating with the tractor controller, allowing complex transmission management to be broken down into manageable sequential steps that improve productivity without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The baler controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the operator's stop command and the tractor's transmission system. It manages the complex coordination of multiple transmission components (gears, clutches, brakes) by serving as a central control mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling automated operation.
3Loss of energy
If dual clutch transmission is used for automated stopping, then brake wear is reduced, but the stopping control precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-selecting the appropriate gear and pre-engaging the dual clutch transmission components before brake application. This preparation ensures that the transmission is in the optimal state for smooth stopping, reducing the need for precise brake control and minimizing brake wear while maintaining stopping precision through proactive transmission management.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor transmission state, vehicle speed, and stopping progress in real-time. The baler controller receives feedback from the tractor controller about transmission engagement status and adjusts the stopping sequence accordingly, ensuring precise stopping control while optimizing dual clutch transmission usage to reduce brake wear.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a combination of a tractor and a baler for baling harvested crop, said combination comprising: - at least one bale sensor (274) to detect whether a bale (B) has reached a predetermined size in a baling chamber of the baler (10), in particular said at least one bale sensor (274) being located in proximity to said baling chamber; - a baler controller (210), in particular located in the tractor (100), configured for receiving information from said at least one bale sensor (274) pertaining to whether the bale (B) reached the predetermined size and for initiating bale (B) wrapping; - a tractor stop command device (212) located in the tractor (100) for activation by an operator after the predetermined bale (B) size has been reached; - at least one speed sensor of the tractor (100) to detect the speed of the tractor (100); - a tractor controller (250) connected to said stop command device (212) and to a tractor drive system, said tractor controller (250) comprising a processor to generate a value regarding a pre-set speed from a speed information detected by said at least one speed sensor; - a communication link between the baler controller (210) and the tractor controller (250), wherein the tractor controller (250) informs the baler controller (210) to initiate bale wrapping at said generated value, said combination of tractor (100) and baler (10) being characterized in that said tractor (100) comprises a dual clutch transmission (701) comprising: - an engine input shaft (702) configured to be coupled to the output of an engine of said tractor (100), - a intermediate geared shaft (719) configured to be coupled to said drive system, - a forward clutch (705) and a rearward clutch (706), each configured to be coupled to the engine input shaft (702); - a first intermediate shaft (711) and a second intermediate shaft (712) comprising a plurality of gears (714, 715), said first and second intermediate shafts (711, 712) being configured to be coupled, via respective first clutch (707) and second clutch (708), to said forward clutch (705) and to said rearward clutch (706) and being configured to be coupled to said intermediate geared shaft (719) defining with one of said gears (714, 715) a predetermined speed ratio between said engine input shaft (702) and said intermediate geared shaft (719), each of said gears (714, 715) defining a different predetermined speed ratio among them between said engine input shaft (702) and said intermediate geared shaft (719), wherein the tractor controller (250) is configured to reduce the speed of the tractor (100) for reaching said pre-set speed and generating said value apt to initiate bale wrapping by modulating both said first clutch (707) and said second clutch (708) in order to lock said dual clutch transmission (701). Moreover, the present invention relates to a method of baling harvested crop with said combination of a tractor (100) and a baler (10).