Tractor Implement Localization via Dual Transponder Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional agricultural tractors lack an effective method to determine whether an implement is attached to the front or rear area, as most have mechanical attachment interfaces in both areas, leading to unclear presetting for implements like counterweights, fertilizer spreaders, and harrows.
Innovation Solution
A device with tractor-side and implement-side transponders that transmit and receive position IDs, allowing the tractor to determine the implement's connection point and providing implement-specific data for proper configuration of operating devices, using Bluetooth protocol and ensuring unambiguous localization through field strength dimensioning and temporal coincidence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If RFID identifier is used for implement detection, then implement presence can be detected, but implement location (front or rear area) cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the implement detection function into two parts: a simple RFID identifier on the implement for presence detection, and multiple location-specific transponders (front and rear) on the tractor for location determination. This segmentation allows the system to obtain both implement presence and location information without requiring a complex single system to perform all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces transponder units as intermediary devices that are activated based on implement presence detection. When an implement is detected via RFID, the system activates the appropriate transponder unit (front or rear) to determine location. This intermediary approach avoids the need for continuously active complex systems while still providing accurate location information.
2Measurement precision
If transponders are continuously active to ensure accurate implement localization, then localization precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the transponder system uses periodic activation triggered by implement presence detection. The RFID reader continuously monitors for implements, and when detected, activates the appropriate transponder unit only when needed for location determination. This periodic action maintains localization precision while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple transponders are used for front and rear implement interfaces, then implement localization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transponder units are designed with universal functionality to handle multiple implement types and interfaces. Each transponder unit can serve both front and rear interfaces, and the system can adapt to different mechanical coupling types (three-point hitch, drawbar, etc.). This universality reduces the need for specialized transponders for each interface type, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high localization accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for implement localization on an agricultural tractor includes a first tractor-side transponder and a second tractor-side transponder. The first tractor-side transponder includes a first transmission and reception region corresponding with a first mechanical implement interface located on the agricultural tractor, and the second tractor-side transponder includes a second transmission and reception region corresponding with a second mechanical implement interface located on the agricultural tractor. An implement-side transponder is in communication with the first and second tractor-side transponders. Each of the first and second tractor-side transponders transmits a separate position identifier to the implement-side transponder via one of the first or second transmission and reception region, and the position identifier is transmitted back to the respective first or second tractor-side transponder.