Tractor Attachment Pull Point Control Using Optical Link Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for controlling the operation of attachments coupled to tractors via power lifts do not efficiently optimize the pull point, leading to inefficiencies in working operations, increased fuel consumption, and reduced productivity.
Innovation Solution
A method using an optical sensor system and artificial neural networks to accurately determine the pull point's location within a defined coordinate system, eliminating the need for additional sensors and enabling automated optimization, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing technical expenditure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor systems are used to measure physical variables on the power lift, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor systems with optical capture technology. Instead of using physical sensors to measure the position of lower link arms and calculate pull point location, the system uses optical images to capture the positions and determines coordinates through image processing, thereby simplifying the mechanical sensor system while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (image) of the physical power lift system. By capturing images of the lower link arms and processing these optical copies to extract coordinate information, the system avoids the need for physical sensors on each component, reducing device complexity while preserving measurement accuracy
2Productivity
If the pull point is not optimized during working operations, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and fuel efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines pull point coordinates and provides optimization recommendations without requiring external intervention. The control unit processes optical capture data, calculates coordinates, and generates optimization suggestions autonomously, enabling the system to self-optimize working operations while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the determined pull point coordinates are compared against optimal positions, and optimization recommendations are generated based on this comparison. This feedback loop enables continuous improvement of working efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention systems
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 approach simplifies the ascertainment of the pull point, optimizing working operations, reducing fuel consumption, and enhancing productivity while minimizing operating costs and improving working quality.
Implementation Method 1
capturing the lower link arms, in particular the position or location thereof, by an optical means or device
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling the operation of an attachment includes coupling the attachment to a tractor via a power lift comprising two lower link arms and detecting a pull point as a geometrical intersection of imaginary extensions of both lower link arms based on reference angles. The method further includes determining the reference angles by an optical capture of the lower link arms, and controlling the operation based on the detected pull point.