Tractor Draft Control Deactivation via Hydraulic Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor control systems face challenges in safely managing draft control modes, particularly when detecting changes in drag force that can lead to unintended movement of implements, which can result in damage or danger, especially at varying tractor speeds, uphill/downhill travel, coasting, reversing, or when implements are not in contact with the ground.
Innovation Solution
A control system that deactivates the draft mode by comparing measured parameters associated with tractor and implement modes against pre-determined values, using pressure sensing within the hydraulic circuit to adjust implement position and prevent undesired movement, without relying on draft force sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If draft control mode is activated to automatically adjust implement position based on drag force, then work quality and operator comfort are improved, but unintended implement movement and potential damage occur in hazardous situations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting hazardous situations (coasting, reversing, uphill/downhill travel, high speed) before unintended implement movement occurs. When these conditions are detected, the system proactively deactivates draft control mode, preventing the harmful automatic movement of the implement that would otherwise occur in response to drag force changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system introduces an intermediary layer between the drag force sensor and the implement position control. This intermediary evaluates multiple parameters (tractor speed, gear position, incline angle, implement position) and mediates whether draft control mode should be active or deactivated, preventing direct and potentially harmful response to drag force changes in hazardous conditions.
2Extent of automation
If draft control responds to drag force changes, then implement position is automatically adjusted, but implement may collide with ground or tractor components
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting conditions that would lead to harmful collisions before they occur. When coasting, reversing, or traveling on steep inclines is detected, the system deactivates draft control mode in advance, preventing the automatic implement movement that would cause collision with ground or tractor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from multiple sensors (speed sensor, gear position sensor, incline angle sensor, implement position sensor) to continuously monitor operating conditions. This feedback loop enables the control system to determine when to activate or deactivate draft control mode, preventing harmful collisions by responding to changing conditions in real-time.
3Reliability
If draft control is deactivated in hazardous situations, then safety is improved, but additional sensing systems and control logic are required
Solution Approach 1:
The control system achieves multi-functionality by using a single integrated controller that performs both existing functions (implement position control, speed control) and the new safety function (hazard detection and draft control deactivation). The control unit leverages existing sensors (speed sensor, gear position sensor) for multiple purposes, reducing the need for additional dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple control functions into a single integrated control unit that manages implement position control, speed control, and safety monitoring. By combining these functions and using existing sensors for multiple purposes, the system reduces overall complexity compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function.
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 solution ensures safer operation by preventing unnecessary and dangerous automatic movements of the linkage and attached implements, enhancing safety and reducing the risk of collisions or damage by prioritizing parameter detection and deactivating the drag mode in potentially hazardous situations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump supplies pressurised fluid to a hydraulic motor
Implementation Method 2
pressure sensor for detecting changes in drag force
Data Source
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AI summary
A control system for a tractor, wherein said control system controls an operating condition of an implement attached to attachment means on the tractor. The control system comprises a sensing means providing a force signal which is indicative of the current pull force necessary to pull the implement in a desired position. The system further comprises a control means which receives the force signal and measurement means for measuring at least one parameter associated with a tractor mode and/or an implement mode and the position of the implement is adjusted to a new position when said force signal varies. The control system comprises pre-determined parameter values associated with a tractor and/or implement mode. A measured parameter is compared with the pre-determined parameter values and if the measured parameter would result in an undesired movement of the implement attachment means, the force signal is deactivated, or the response to the force signal is deactivated to prevent undesired movement of the attachment means.