Upper Link Sensor Nesting for Tractor Lift Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle measurement sensors in agricultural tractors' three-point power lift systems are prone to external damage due to their construction and placement.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a sensor module with miniaturized acceleration sensors, such as MEMS modules, within the cylinder base of the upper link, protected by a pocket-shaped insertion opening and reinforced design, allowing precise angle measurement and easy maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are mounted externally on the upper link for angle measurement, then angle measurement functionality is achieved, but the sensors are vulnerable to external damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is nested within a receptacle cavity formed in the upper link structure. The receptacle contains the sensor module, which houses the acceleration sensor, thereby protecting it from external damage while maintaining measurement functionality. This nested arrangement resolves the contradiction by providing internal protection without requiring external mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle acts as an intermediary structure between the sensor module and the external environment. It provides a protected housing that shields the sensor from damage while allowing the sensor to perform its measurement function. The receptacle mediates between the need for sensor protection and the need for sensor accessibility.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed close to the pivoting movement for precise measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensors become more exposed to external damage
Solution Approach 1:
The acceleration sensor is nested within the receptacle cavity in the upper link, positioned close to the pivoting movement of the universal joint for precise angle measurement. The nested structure provides protection from external damage while maintaining the spatial proximity needed for accurate measurements of the upper link's angular position.
3Reliability
If the cylinder base is reinforced to accommodate sensors, then sensor protection and mounting stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed as a separate component that can be formed independently and then integrated into the upper link. This segmentation allows the receptacle to be manufactured using standard processes and then mounted or integrated into the upper link, reducing the manufacturing complexity of the overall structure while providing the necessary reinforcement for sensor accommodation.
4Reliability
If a pocket-shaped insertion opening is used for sensor accommodation, then sensor protection is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle with the insertion opening is designed as a separate component that can be manufactured independently using standard molding or machining processes. This allows the complex pocket-shaped structure to be produced efficiently as a discrete part, which is then integrated into the upper link, thereby protecting the sensor without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.
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 solution provides robust and precise angle measurement, enabling reliable classification of the upper link's operating state, including transport and attachment positions, by housing the sensors within a protected and reinforced structure, reducing vulnerability to damage.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor module is an inertial measuring unit, in particular in the form of a so-called MEMS module (MEMS - Micro-Electro-Mechanical System), which contains miniaturized acceleration sensors made of silicon, for measuring linear acceleration and/or angular velocities or, in particular, yaw rates
Data Source
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AI summary
Top link (10) for a three-point linkage of an agricultural tractor, with a cylinder body (12) having a cylinder base (14) with a mounting eye (18) on which a universal joint (22) is pivotably attached for tractor-side mounting, wherein an externally accessible insertion opening for receiving a sensor module is formed in the universal joint (22) and/or the cylinder base (14).