Automatic Tractor Tire Pressure Control for Traction and Fuel Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of agricultural prime movers face difficulty in selecting suitable tire pressures for specific tasks due to numerous changing factors, and existing tire pressure control systems may not adequately consider the complex relationships between tire pressure, operating conditions, and environmental factors, potentially exceeding tire load capacity limits.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural prime mover equipped with a drivetrain, tire pressure control system, and driver assistance system that includes an automatic tire pressure controller, which uses n-dimensional characteristic maps and sensor data to autonomously adjust tire pressure based on selected control strategies and optimization target variables, such as efficiency or performance, to optimize traction and reduce fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator manually selects tire pressure based on operating conditions, then the system simplicity is maintained, but the precision of tire pressure selection deteriorates due to the complexity of multiple changing factors
Solution Approach 1:
The tire pressure control system automatically determines optimal tire pressure by processing sensor data and operating parameters through n-dimensional characteristic maps, eliminating the need for manual operator judgment while maintaining system simplicity through automated self-regulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operator decision-making with an automated electronic control system that uses sensor data, processing units, and characteristic maps to determine tire pressure, substituting human judgment with computational analysis
2Reliability
If existing tire pressure control systems are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because they do not adequately consider complex relationships between tire pressure, operating conditions, and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors operating parameters and environmental conditions through sensors, processes this feedback information through the control unit, and automatically adjusts tire pressure settings based on real-time conditions, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing circumstances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces n-dimensional characteristic maps that incorporate multiple operating parameters and environmental factors simultaneously, transforming the control approach from simple pressure settings to a multi-dimensional optimization problem that considers traction, fuel consumption, and tire load capacity together
3Productivity
If tire pressure is optimized for maximum traction in field travel, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of energy increases due to higher rolling resistance during road travel
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts tire pressure based on the prime mover's operating state, transitioning from static pressure settings to adaptive pressure control that optimizes the balance between traction effectiveness and rolling resistance according to current operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the tire pressure parameter dynamically based on operating mode (field travel vs. road travel), using n-dimensional characteristic maps to determine optimal pressure values that minimize energy loss while maintaining adequate traction for the current task
Data Source
AI summary
A prime mover, such as a tractor, is disclosed. The prime mover includes a drivetrain, a driver assistance system, and a tire pressure control system. The tire pressure control system is equipped with pneumatic components for setting and adapting a tire pressure of at least one of the tires of the prime mover and an attachment to the prime mover. The drivetrain includes at least one drive motor, one gearbox, at least one power take-off, and at least one ancillary unit. The driver assistance system controls the tire pressure control system and includes a computing unit, a memory unit, and an input/output unit. In particular, the driver assistance system includes an automatic tire pressure controller that operates based on a characteristic curve and is configured for optimized control of the tire pressure control system depending on selectable control strategies and/or optimization target variables.