Trailing Wheel Locking for Slope Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural attachments with self-steering axles face challenges in maintaining stable driving behavior, especially on slopes and uneven terrain, as the automatic blocking of steering capability based on driving speed is insufficient, leading to potential drifting and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a determination device to assess the attachment's or tramline's inclination and provide automatic locking or unlocking signals for the steering ability, using inclination sensors and control devices to adjust the steering capability based on predetermined threshold values, considering both transverse and longitudinal inclinations, and additional parameters like driving speed and soil conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the trailing wheels are freely steerable to improve maneuverability on uneven ground, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability of the attachment deteriorates on slopes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device dynamically changes the state of the trailing wheels between locked and unlocked positions based on detected slope conditions. The control unit automatically transitions the steering capability from free (unlocked) to restricted (locked) when slope exceeds threshold, resolving the contradiction between maneuverability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inclination sensor provides continuous feedback about the slope condition to the control unit, which then adjusts the locking device state accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system ensures the trailing wheels are locked when stability is needed and unlocked when maneuverability is required.
2Reliability
If the steering capability is automatically blocked at high speeds to improve stability, then the driving safety is improved, but the responsiveness to operator input deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the inclination sensor and control unit to automatically engage the locking device only when slope conditions require it, rather than continuously blocking steering. This maintains operator responsiveness during normal operation while ensuring safety when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic locking system serves itself by detecting slope conditions and autonomously adjusting the steering lock state without requiring operator intervention. This eliminates the need for manual locking/unlocking while maintaining operator control when conditions are safe.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the trailing wheels are locked to prevent drifting on slopes, then the stability is improved, but the ability to navigate uneven terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device dynamically adjusts between locked and unlocked states based on real-time slope detection. When the attachment is on uneven terrain requiring maneuverability, the wheels remain unlocked. When on slopes where drifting is a risk, the wheels automatically lock, thus adapting to different terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is applied locally and selectively based on the specific operational condition detected by the inclination sensor. Rather than a global lock or unlock state, the system applies steering restriction only when and where slope conditions dictate, preserving navigation ability on uneven ground while preventing drifting on slopes.
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
Enhances driving safety and comfort by preventing drifting on slopes and uneven terrain, allowing the driver to maintain control and reduce the risk of accidents, while also reducing the likelihood of operator error in managing the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
an inclination sensor (19) which detects the attachment (1) and/or tramline inclination by way of example directly via the detectable deflection of a pendulum element
Implementation Method 2
directly via the detectable deflection of a pendulum element (19a) that remains perpendicular
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to an agricultural implement for mounting on a tractor, comprising a machine frame supported on the ground by a chassis, wherein the chassis has at least one axle with freely steerable trailing wheels, and wherein a locking device is provided for locking the free movement of the trailing wheels. According to the invention, it is proposed to provide a determining device for determining the inclination of the implement and/or the inclination of the tramline to be traversed, as well as a control device for automatically providing a locking signal to lock the locking device when the inclination determined by the determining device reaches or exceeds a predetermined inclination threshold.