Tractor Control Arrangement for Predictive Plowing Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractor lifting mechanisms struggle to maintain uniform plowing depth across varying ground undulations, leading to inefficient plowing and increased costs due to the need for reactive control systems and additional sensors.
Innovation Solution
A control arrangement that uses a sensor system, including cameras, LiDAR, radar, or satellite technology to predict ground undulations, allowing for pre-control of the lifting mechanism and attachment positioning, thereby eliminating the need for tensile force sensors and mechanical spacers, and enabling optimal attachment height and inclination adjustments based on real-time terrain data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If reactive control systems with tensile force sensors are used to maintain plowing depth, then plowing depth control is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a sensor system (camera, LiDAR, radar, or satellite) to detect ground undulations in advance before the plow reaches them. The control device receives this advance terrain information and pre-adjusts the lifting mechanism to compensate for upcoming variations in ground height. This predictive approach eliminates the need for reactive tensile force sensors and mechanical spacers, simplifying the control system while maintaining uniform plowing depth across varying terrain.
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical spacers are used to guide attachment positioning, then attachment height control is achieved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical spacers and guide mechanisms with an electronic control system. A sensor system detects ground undulations in advance, and a control device processes this information to actuate the lifting mechanism hydraulically or electrically. This substitution of mechanical guidance systems with sensor-based predictive control reduces mechanical complexity while achieving accurate attachment positioning and uniform plowing depth.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plowing depth is adjusted reactively based on terrain changes, then terrain adaptation is achieved, but fuel consumption increases due to tractor slip
Solution Approach 1:
The control device receives terrain information in advance from the sensor system and pre-adjusts the lifting mechanism before the plow encounters ground undulations. This predictive control prevents sudden terrain-induced load changes that cause tractor slip and energy loss. By smoothly adapting plowing depth in advance rather than reactively, the system maintains better traction and reduces fuel consumption while preserving full terrain adaptation capability.
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 allows for predictive control of the lifting mechanism, ensuring uniform plowing depth, reducing fuel consumption, improving comfort, and enhancing work efficiency by reducing tractor slip and avoiding incorrect settings that lead to uneven plow patterns.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor system is provided for detecting a bump in the ground, in particular in advance, in an assumed lane of the tractor
Implementation Method 2
A control arrangement that uses a sensor system, including cameras, LiDAR, radar, or satellite technology to predict ground undulations
Implementation Method 3
A control arrangement that uses a sensor system, including cameras, LiDAR, radar, or satellite technology to predict ground undulations
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~3
Figure 4
AI summary
According to the invention, a control arrangement for a tractor is provided for controlling an implement. The position of the implement is controlled by this arrangement depending on ground undulation, which is detected in advance by a sensor.