Tractor Clutch Control via Accelerator Pedal Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tractors face challenges in controlling the clutch and brakes due to varying mechanical loads and operating conditions, leading to wear and discomfort for drivers, especially during uphill maneuvers and precision tasks like forklift operations, where manual control is tiring and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An automatic control logic for the clutch and brakes that uses a control system interpreting the movement of the accelerator pedal and engine vector, along with sensors to adjust torque transmission and engagement, allowing for soft and progressive clutch engagement and braking, independent of the mechanical load and gear ratio, enabling controlled acceleration and deceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual clutch and brake control is used, then the driver can directly control the tractor, but the driver experiences fatigue and discomfort during frequent operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the tractor to automatically manage its own clutch and brake operations based on accelerator pedal input. The control unit interprets driver intent through pedal position and movement data, then autonomously executes clutch engagement/disengagement and brake application without requiring manual intervention, making the system serve itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an electronic automation system. Instead of direct mechanical linkage between clutch/brake pedals and the control unit, the system uses electronic sensors to detect accelerator pedal position and movement, processes this data through a control unit, and electronically actuates the clutch and brake systems, substituting mechanical driver action with electronic control
2Reliability
If manual clutch control is used during uphill maneuvers, then the driver can control acceleration, but the clutch components experience increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring accelerator pedal position and movement characteristics, then using this information to dynamically adjust clutch engagement timing and brake application force. The control unit processes real-time data about driver intent and system response, automatically optimizing the control strategy to protect clutch components while maintaining precise acceleration control during uphill maneuvers
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and preparing clutch engagement and brake application sequences based on detected accelerator pedal movements. Before the actual clutch engagement or brake application occurs, the control unit has already processed the driver's intent signal and prepared the appropriate control commands, enabling smooth transitions that reduce mechanical shock and wear
3Measurement precision
If manual clutch and brake control is used during precision operations, then the driver can make adjustments, but errors and fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical coordination with an electronic control system that naturally handles the complexity of coordinating clutch and brake operations. The electronic system processes accelerator pedal input and automatically manages the timing and force of clutch engagement and brake application, achieving precise position control without requiring the driver to manually coordinate multiple control elements
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the functions of clutch control and brake control into a single integrated control process. Instead of requiring separate manual operations for clutch and brake, the control unit combines these functions and executes them as a coordinated sequence based on accelerator pedal input, simplifying the driver's task while maintaining precise control through unified electronic management
Data Source
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AI summary
A tractor and a method for controlling a clutch device and a braking system of a tractor according to at least one subjective variable/parameter set by the driver and according to at least one objective operating variable/parameter of the tractor, wherein the tractor comprises a chassis, a cabin or a driving position for a driver, a front axle provided with a pair of front wheels , a rear axle provided with a pair of rear wheels or rear tracks, an engine, a clutch device, a selector for the selective engagement of the forward gears and reverse gears or an automatic gear shifting system, an engine drive device that can be set by the user along a scale, a control unit configured to automatically control the clutch device according to a first subjective variable/parameter set by the driver and according to at least one objective operating variable/parameter of the tractor, and wherein the first subjective variable/parameter is the position of the engine drive device and the objective variable/parameter is a physical operating parameter of the tractor continuously measured by a sensor.