Agricultural Tractor Tire Analysis Using UWB Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining characteristic parameters of agricultural tractors, such as lead ratio, require multiple people and are time-consuming and imprecise, especially considering changes in tire rolling circumference due to factors like load, pressure, and wear.
Innovation Solution
A tire analysis system comprising rotation sensors attached to the wheels and a distance sensor using Ultra Wideband technology, which measures wheel rotations and distance traveled, allowing for precise calculation of lead ratio and other parameters without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual measurement method is used to determine tire characteristic parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual visual measurement method with an automated optical measurement system using markers and camera. The mechanical/visual process of observers tracking and recording tire revolutions is substituted by an optical system that automatically detects marker positions and calculates parameters, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining relatively simple device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces markers as intermediary elements attached to the tires. These markers serve as visual targets for the camera system, enabling precise tracking of tire rotation and position without requiring direct observation of the tires themselves. This intermediary approach significantly enhances measurement precision while keeping the overall system simple.
2Device complexity
If visual measurement method is used to determine tire characteristic parameters, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming manual measurement process with automated optical detection and computational analysis. The camera captures multiple images during a single test run, and the control unit automatically processes these images to determine all required parameters, dramatically improving productivity from hours of manual measurement to minutes of automated analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning markers on the tires before the test run. This preparation enables the automated system to quickly capture and analyze tire parameters during the actual test, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual measurements during the testing phase and thereby improving overall productivity.
3Ease of operation
If theoretical calculation based on manufacturer data is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to changes in rolling circumference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces theoretical calculations based on manufacturer data with actual empirical measurements using the optical system. Instead of relying on published rolling circumference data that may not reflect actual operating conditions, the system directly measures tire behavior during a test run, significantly improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures actual tire parameters under specific operating conditions rather than relying on standardized manufacturer data. By capturing real-world rolling circumference, lead ratio, and other parameters during the actual test run, the system adapts to variations caused by load, pressure, and wear, thereby improving reliability while keeping the process simple and straightforward.
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 enables easy, quick, and precise determination of tire characteristic parameters, reducing the need for multiple personnel and improving accuracy by using automated sensors, thus enhancing tractor performance and reducing wear.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor using Ultra Wideband technology, which measures wheel rotations and distance traveled
Data Source
AI summary
A tire analysis method and system for determining characteristic parameters of an agricultural tractor provided with two front wheels supporting two front tires and with two rear wheels supporting two rear tires. A first rotation sensor is mounted on a first wheel, a second rotation sensor is mounted on a second wheel; the agricultural tractor is driven along a straight path; while driving the agricultural tractor along the straight path, the total number of revolutions made by the first wheel and by the second wheel are measured; and at least one characteristic parameter is determined using the total number of revolutions made by the first wheel and by the second wheel.