External Tractor Motion Control for Precise Implement Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Agricultural tractor operators face challenges in accurately positioning implements without repeatedly boarding and alighting from the vehicle, requiring multiple individuals for precise alignment, and there is a need for safer and more convenient external control mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An agricultural work vehicle equipped with electronically controlled transmission, external switches for forward and reverse movement, and a mode switch to enable external manipulation, along with safety features like electronic brakes and sensitivity adjustments, allowing single-operator implement installation and precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the driver repeatedly boards and alights from the agricultural work vehicle to check positions, then the forward and rearward positions can be accurately determined, but the operation time and complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition determination accuracyVSAvoidtime for implement coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual position checking (driver physically moving and visually assessing positions) with an electronic control system. The external switches electronically control the transmission to provide predetermined speed ratios, allowing the driver to set positions by simple switch operations rather than repeated boarding and alighting. This substitution of mechanical manual checking with electronic control resolves the contradiction by maintaining position accuracy while dramatically reducing the time required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If two persons work together to position the implement, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the operational complexity and resource requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelative position setting accuracyVSAvoidnumber of operators required
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the driver to perform positioning operations independently through external switches that provide predetermined speed ratios. The system allows single-operator implementation by making the vehicle self-sufficient for positioning tasks that previously required two people. The driver can control the transmission electronically to achieve accurate relative positioning without assistance, thereby reducing operational complexity and resource requirements while maintaining positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If external switches are provided for forward and reverse movement, then the ease of operation for single driver improves, but the risk of erroneous operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal control convenienceVSAvoidoperation safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control system where the external switches are integrated with the transmission control. The transmission automatically adjusts speed ratios based on switch positions, providing dynamic adaptation to operational needs. This dynamic system allows easy external control while maintaining safety through automated transmission response that prevents erratic vehicle behavior, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and safety reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4714709A1Agricultural work vehicle and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 LS MTRON LTD
  • EP4714709A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4714709A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4714709A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an agricultural work vehicle and a method of controlling the same. The agricultural work vehicle according to the present invention is provided with forward and reverse switches on the outside thereof to enable the driving of the work vehicle to be manipulated from the outside of the work vehicle. According to the present invention, there is the effect of facilitating the work of coupling an implement to the agricultural work vehicle while ensuring stability.