Tractor Blind-Spot Sensing for Downstream Vehicle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractors face challenges in detecting blind spots created by large rear attachments, which can obstruct the driver's view of following road vehicles, particularly when using cameras that require individual equipment and complex interfaces for each attachment.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system integrated with the agricultural tractor, positioned below the rear axle, uses a radar or camera to detect vehicles in the blind spot by utilizing a free region between the road surface and the attachment's lower contour, generating a message signal for a user interface to alert the driver, and includes a cleaning device and mechanical protection for reliability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera system is installed on each attachment to detect blind spots, then the detection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to individual equipment and interface requirements for each attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the sensor system directly into the tractor rather than each attachment. The tractor-mounted sensor serves multiple attachments simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual camera systems on each attachment. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining detection capability across all attached equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sensor system with the tractor platform, combining the detection function with the existing vehicle infrastructure. By consolidating the sensor, control unit, and power supply into the tractor rather than distributing them across multiple attachments, the system reduces component count and interface requirements while achieving comprehensive blind spot coverage.
2Power
If large attachments are connected in the rear region to increase performance, then the tractive power and capability are improved, but blind spots are created that reduce driver visibility of following vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary sensor system that detects objects in the blind spot area created by rear attachments. The sensor acts as a mediator between the attachment obstruction and the driver, providing indirect detection of following vehicles through the free region between the attachment and road surface, thereby compensating for the visibility loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical solution of head turning or mirror adjustment with an electronic sensor-based detection system. The radar or image-forming sensor electronically scans the blind spot region and provides automated detection, substituting manual driver actions with automated technological detection to maintain awareness of following vehicles.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is positioned to detect the free region between the road surface and attachment, then the detection accuracy is improved, but the sensor is exposed to contamination and damage from the ground environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing protective measures against contamination before it affects sensor performance. The cleaning device with wiper or high-pressure nozzle prevents dirt accumulation from degrading detection accuracy, while the mechanical protection shields the sensor from physical damage, cushioning the sensor system against harmful ground environment factors in advance.
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
The system effectively identifies downstream vehicles, enhancing driver awareness without the need for retrofitting attachments, and allows for adjustable configuration to accommodate various hitch types, ensuring reliable operation and easy maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is, for example, a radar sensor or an image-forming sensor in the form of a camera or the like
Implementation Method 2
a downstream vehicle may be detected by reflections which occur between the boundary surfaces formed by an attachment structure and the road surface
Implementation Method 3
This cleaning device comprises a wiper or a high-pressure nozzle for ejecting an air stream or liquid stream onto an active surface of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural tractor with a system for identifying downstream road users includes a control unit in communication with a user interface, and a sensor having a detection range which runs in a vicinity of a ground and which is in a direction of an attachment connected to the agricultural tractor. The sensor is configured to identify a vehicle located in the detection range or which enters therein, and then generates a corresponding message signal which is supplied to the control unit. The control unit activates the user interface based on the message signal for the output of a driver message. A free region visible from the agricultural tractor by the sensor is formed between a road surface and a lower contour of the attachment facing the road surface.