Tractor-Trailer Three-Point Hitch With Automatic Collision Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tractor-trailer combinations face issues with lateral arms colliding with PTO shafts or hydraulic/electric connections during steering maneuvers, leading to damage and manual adjustment requirements that are time-consuming and incompatible with autonomous operations.
Innovation Solution
A tractor-trailer combination with a trailer electronic control unit that communicates with the tractor's control unit to adjust the height of the three-point hitch assembly's lateral arms automatically, using ISOBUS protocol, to avoid collisions based on dimensional data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the lateral arms are positioned in an outer position with respect to the cassette supporting the first hitch point, then the three-point hitch assembly can properly connect the tractor with the implement, but the lateral arms may collide with the PTO shaft or drawbar during steering maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the height of the lateral arms based on detected collision risks during steering maneuvers. The control unit receives steering angle information and automatically modifies the lateral arms' position to avoid collisions with the PTO shaft or drawbar, transforming a static configuration into a dynamically adaptive one that resolves the contradiction between connection capability and collision risk.
2Reliability
If the user manually adjusts the height of the lateral arms to prevent collisions, then collision damage can be avoided, but the operation becomes time-consuming and incompatible with autonomous tractor-trailer combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the three-point hitch assembly to self-adjust the lateral arms' height automatically based on steering maneuvers and collision risk detection. The control unit processes steering angle data and autonomously controls the lateral arms' position without requiring manual intervention, making the system compatible with autonomous tractor-trailer combinations while maintaining reliable collision prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the control unit continuously monitors steering angle information from sensors, evaluates collision risk, and automatically adjusts the lateral arms' height in response. This closed-loop control mechanism eliminates the need for manual adjustment while ensuring reliable collision prevention, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and automation extent.
3Ease of operation
If the lateral arms collide with the PTO shaft or hydraulic/electric connections, then the connection functionality is compromised, but repair costs increase and working activities must stop
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by detecting steering maneuvers that could lead to collisions and proactively adjusting the lateral arms' height before the collision occurs. The control unit uses steering angle information to anticipate potential conflicts with the PTO shaft or connections and pre-adjusts the lateral arms' position, preventing damage before it happens and avoiding subsequent downtime and repair costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
Tractor-trailer combination (1) comprising a tractor (2) configured to carry a trailer (3), and being provided with a three points hitch assembly (4) comprising elements (5, 6) for connecting the tractor (2) with the trailer (3) and a plurality of other connecting means (10, 11) interposed between the tractor (2) and the trailer (3) for operatively connecting together these latter, each between the tractor (2) and the trailer (3) comprising a respective electronic control unit (200, 300), the trailer electronic control unit (30o), when coupled to the tractor electronic control unit (200) being configured to automatically adjust the position of said elements (5, 6) of said three points hitch assembly in order to avoid any collision with said other connecting means (10, 11) during the relative movement between the tractor (2) and the trailer (3).