Tractor Rear Sensor Layout for Detecting Vehicles Behind Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractors with large rear attachments, such as field sprayers or seed drills, create blind spots that make it difficult for drivers to perceive following vehicles on the same lane, especially on public roads, due to the obstruction of the driver's view by these attachments.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system mounted on the agricultural tractor, which includes a radar or imaging sensor positioned below the rear axle, detects the blind spot area between the tractor and the attachment, generating a notification signal for the driver through a control unit and operator interface, allowing for reliable detection of subsequent vehicles and providing driver instructions, and is adaptable to various attachment devices without retrofitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is mounted at the rear of the implement to capture the blind spot, then the detection of following vehicles is improved, but the device complexity increases because each implement requires its own camera and interface connection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is integrated into the tractor itself rather than being attached to each implement, making it a universal solution that works with any implement without requiring separate camera installations. The single sensor system on the tractor serves multiple detection purposes for different implements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system combines detection, processing, and output functions into an integrated unit on the tractor. The control unit processes sensor data and generates driver instructions, merging multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components on each implement.
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor is mounted on the underside of the supporting structure near the ground, then the detection range covering the clear area is improved, but the sensor is exposed to increased contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the contaminated environment. It periodically removes contaminants from the sensor surface, maintaining sensor functionality without requiring the sensor to be mounted in a protected but less effective location.
3Reliability
If the sensor detection range is oriented backward toward the implement, then the detection of following vehicles is improved, but the implement structure may obstruct the sensor beam
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces direct optical/mechanical line-of-sight detection with radar or imaging sensors that can detect vehicles through or around obstacles. These sensors can penetrate or work around the implement structure without requiring a direct unobstructed path.
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
The system effectively enhances driver awareness of following vehicles by providing real-time notifications, ensuring safe operation of tractors with different attachments, and includes features like automatic cleaning and mechanical protection for the sensor.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is, for example, a radar sensor or an imaging sensor in the form of a camera or the like
Implementation Method 2
This is achieved by utilizing reflections that occur between the interfaces formed by the implement's structure and the road surface
Implementation Method 3
a cleaning device may be included. This device consists of a wiper or a high-pressure nozzle for applying a jet of air or liquid to an active area of the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Agricultural tractor (12) with a system (10) for detecting following road users (30), comprising a sensor (22) which has a ground-level detection area (28) in the direction of an implement (14, 18) that can be attached to the agricultural tractor (12), wherein the sensor (22) is configured to detect a vehicle (30) lying in or entering the detection area (28) and to generate a corresponding warning signal which is supplied to a control unit (24) which, according to the warning signal, controls an operator interface (26) to issue a driver instruction.