Tractor Clutch Threshold Adjustment for Stable Half-Clutch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor systems face issues with clutch mechanism galling due to inappropriate half-clutch states, particularly affecting operators with varying physique or experience, as they often rely on warning systems that do not adequately address operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A working vehicle with a clutch system that includes a detector, control device, and change unit, allowing for adjustable threshold settings based on operator input, enabling dynamic adjustment of clutch states to improve operability and prevent galling by optimizing clutch pedal positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed threshold is used for detecting half-clutch state, then the detection is simple, but the operability deteriorates for operators with different physique or experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the threshold value adjustable rather than fixed. The threshold can be dynamically changed according to operator characteristics (physique, experience level), allowing the system to adapt to different users. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the detection system to accommodate varying operator needs without requiring a completely complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of the threshold value to resolve the contradiction. By allowing the threshold to be modified based on operator feedback or characteristics, the system improves operability for different users while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The parameter change approach enables customization without adding excessive complexity.
2Productivity
If warning system is used for half-clutch state, then galling prevention is simplified, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to false warnings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the detector to continuously monitor clutch pedal position and compare it against the threshold. This creates a closed-loop system that can accurately identify true half-clutch states versus normal operational positions. The feedback mechanism reduces false warnings while maintaining reliable galling prevention, resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If threshold is adjusted for different operators, then operability improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a threshold adjustment mechanism that can serve multiple operators with different characteristics. Rather than creating separate systems for each operator, the single adjustable threshold mechanism accommodates various physique types and experience levels, achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A working vehicle (1) includes: a clutch (5d) displaceable to a connected state in which power is transmitted to a drive (7), a disconnected state in which the transmission is disconnected, and a half-clutch state in which power is slidably and partly transmitted to the drive (7); a detector (53) that detects an operation position of a clutch pedal (32A) and outputs a detected value corresponding to the operation position detected; a control device (40) that brings the clutch (5d) into the half-clutch state if the detected value corresponds with a threshold, and brings the clutch (5d) into the disconnected state if the detected value is less than the threshold and into the connected state if the detected value is greater than the threshold, and vice versa; and a change unit (40A) that changes the threshold to a different value in accordance with an operation on the operation member (45).