Tractor Drawbar Weight Transfer for Towing Beam Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machines coupled to tractors face issues with uneven load distribution during turning maneuvers, leading to torque imbalances and potential lifting of the towing beam, which can be exacerbated by insufficient material in storage containers, resulting in reduced traction and soil compaction.
Innovation Solution
A power transmission device with adjustable force transmission levers and hydraulic cylinders that transfer weight from the tractor to the drawbar based on the material level in the storage container, ensuring a consistent support load through a weighing sensor system, thereby maintaining traction without additional ballast.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional counterweights are arranged in front of the trailer axle to prevent towing beam lifting, then the towing beam stability is improved, but the fuel consumption increases and soil compaction worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic weight transfer system where hydraulic cylinders actively adjust the force applied to the towing beam based on real-time detection of material quantity in the storage container. This dynamic adjustment replaces static additional counterweights, allowing the system to maintain towing beam stability only when necessary (when material quantity is low) rather than continuously, thereby reducing fuel consumption and avoiding unnecessary soil compaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors to detect the material quantity in the storage container and feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the hydraulic cylinder force accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that counterbalancing force is applied only when the material quantity drops below a threshold, preventing towing beam lifting without the need for permanent additional ballast, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and energy consumption.
2Reliability
If additional counterweights are arranged in front of the trailer axle to maintain load balance, then the towing beam stability is improved, but the soil compaction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the downward force on the towing beam based on real-time material quantity detection. When the storage container is sufficiently filled, no additional force is applied, preventing soil compaction. When material quantity decreases and towing beam lifting becomes a risk, the hydraulic system activates to provide necessary counterbalancing force. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for permanent additional ballast that would cause continuous soil compaction.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors continuously monitor material quantity and provide feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the hydraulic cylinder output force accordingly. This feedback control ensures that counterbalancing force is applied only when material quantity is insufficient, thereby preventing towing beam lifting without imposing continuous additional load on the soil, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and soil protection.
3Quantity of substance
If the storage container is not filled sufficiently, then the material cost is reduced, but the towing beam lifting occurs and traction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors detect the material quantity in the storage container and provide feedback to the control unit. When material quantity drops below a threshold, the control unit activates the hydraulic cylinder to apply additional downward force on the towing beam, compensating for the reduced counterbalancing effect of the material. This feedback mechanism ensures that traction is maintained even when the storage container is not completely filled, resolving the contradiction between material quantity and traction reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the force parameter applied to the towing beam dynamically based on material quantity. When material quantity is sufficient, normal force is applied. When material quantity decreases, the hydraulic cylinder increases the downward force parameter to compensate, maintaining adequate traction without requiring the storage container to be completely filled at all times.
4Ease of operation
If the support load on the coupling element varies excessively as material is removed, then the material distribution is simplified, but the towing beam stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors continuously monitor material quantity in the storage container and provide feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the hydraulic cylinder force in real-time. This feedback control compensates for the varying support load caused by material removal, maintaining stable towing beam position and adequate traction throughout the material distribution process, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the force parameter applied by the hydraulic cylinder based on detected material quantity variations. As material is removed and support load decreases, the hydraulic system increases its downward force to compensate, maintaining constant total load on the towing beam. This parameter adjustment ensures stability throughout the material distribution process without complicating the operation.
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 maintains consistent traction and prevents the towing beam from lifting by adjusting the weight transfer according to the material level, reducing fuel consumption and minimizing soil compaction.
Implementation Method 1
at least one hydraulic cylinder (26) which can swivel the force transmission lever (25) and press the same against the underside of the lower link (19) of the tractor
Implementation Method 2
a sensor device (63) for determining the amount of material contained in the at least one storage container (7)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The machine has a draw bar (3) that is arranged at the front side of a floor supporting frame (1). Multiple coupling elements to be coupled to a lower link of a tractor, are arranged on the drawbar. The raised soil working tools (5) and/or sowing units (6) is arranged behind multiple via running wheels (2). A hydraulic cylinder is provided with a pivotably mounted transmission lever such that the force is transferred to the front end of the drawbar and/or the coupling elements and an amount of material located at a reservoir (7) is transferred through the lower link.