Tractor Drivetrain Control Using Characteristic Curves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of agricultural tractors often lack knowledge of engine characteristics, leading to suboptimal settings of engine speed and gear ratios, and existing control systems fail to account for various influences on overall drive train efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tractor with a driver assistance system featuring a computing unit, storage unit, and input/output unit, which includes an automatic engine pressure control system that uses characteristic curves to optimize drive train control based on selectable control strategies and optimization target variables, taking into account the efficiency characteristics and operational behavior of drive train components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually sets engine speed and gear ratio based on personal knowledge, then the operation is simple and direct, but the settings are suboptimal due to lack of engine characteristics knowledge
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically determining optimal engine speed and gear ratio settings based on stored characteristic curves, eliminating the need for operator expertise while maximizing drive train efficiency. The control unit autonomously selects operating points that optimize fuel consumption or power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator decision-making with an automated electronic control system that uses stored characteristic curves to determine optimal settings. This substitution of mechanical/manual control with electronic automation resolves the contradiction between operational simplicity and optimization quality.
2Device complexity
If the engine control unit uses only a fuel consumption map for speed control, then the control system is simple, but it fails to account for other influences on overall drive train efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control considerations (fuel consumption, power delivery, transmission efficiency, auxiliary unit loads) into a unified control approach using characteristic curves that encompass all these factors. This integration allows comprehensive optimization without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-storing characteristic curves and optimization data in memory before operation. During actual operation, the control unit simply retrieves and applies the appropriate pre-calculated settings based on current operating conditions, avoiding complex real-time calculations while achieving comprehensive optimization.
3Ease of operation
If the operator specifies engine speed without considering drive train component efficiency characteristics, then the control is straightforward, but the optimal operating point is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring actual operating conditions (engine speed, load, transmission gear) and comparing them against stored characteristic curves. The control unit automatically adjusts settings to maintain operation at optimal points, ensuring high precision without requiring operator expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment with an electronic control system that precisely determines optimal operating points using stored characteristic curves. This substitution provides accurate, data-driven control decisions that account for all drive train component efficiencies.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a tractor (1), in particular a tractor (2), with a drive train (5) and at least one implement (3, 4) adapted to the tractor (1), wherein the drive train (5) comprises at least one drive motor (16), a transmission (17), at least one power take-off (18) and at least one auxiliary unit (19), wherein the tractor (1) has a driver assistance system (6) for controlling the drive train (5), which is designed with a computing unit (7), a storage unit (8) and an input/output unit (9), wherein the driver assistance system (6) comprises a characteristic curve-based engine control unit (27), wherein the engine control unit (27) is configured for optimized control of the drive train (5) depending on selectable control strategies (30) and/or optimization target variables (33) stored in the storage unit (8).