Wireless Actuator Control for Agricultural Device Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for coupling devices to agricultural work vehicles are time-consuming and pose safety concerns due to the need for manual adjustments and lack of efficient remote control solutions, especially for front three-point hitches without a direct line of sight.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a portable computer with a control unit and software to wirelessly control actuators for device interfaces, allowing operators to remotely adjust and couple devices using a commercially available tablet or smartphone, ensuring safety through pairing and authorization protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operator controls the device interface from the operator's workstation, then the control is integrated into the vehicle's existing system, but the coupling process becomes time-consuming due to repeated manual intervention and lack of direct line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
A portable computer serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the vehicle's control system. The operator uses the portable computer with a user-friendly interface to control the device interface, eliminating the need to return to the operator's workstation repeatedly. This mediator enables direct control from the coupling location, significantly reducing coupling time while maintaining system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is moved from the fixed three-dimensional position of the operator's workstation to a portable device that can be positioned in any location around the vehicle. This dimensional flexibility allows the operator to control the device interface from the optimal viewing position during coupling operations, improving both speed and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If additional input elements are attached to the rear fender for remote control, then the operator can control the device interface from outside the workstation, but safety is compromised as the operator must stand in potentially dangerous positions
Solution Approach 1:
The portable computer serves multiple functions: it provides remote control capability, ensures operator safety by allowing control from any safe location, maintains compatibility with the vehicle's existing ISOBUS system, and offers a user-friendly interface. This universal device eliminates the need for location-specific control elements while preserving all control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable computer leverages existing technologies and standards (ISOBUS, wireless communication protocols) to provide remote control functionality without requiring modifications to the vehicle structure or placement of control elements in dangerous locations. The system serves itself by using standard portable computing devices that operators already possess and are familiar with.
3Ease of operation
If a custom remote control system is developed for the work vehicle, then precise control of the device interface is achieved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a universal portable computer that can serve multiple purposes: remote control of the device interface, viewing of coupling positions, and integration with the vehicle's existing ISOBUS system. By leveraging this multi-functional device rather than developing a dedicated custom controller, the system achieves precise control capabilities without incurring significant additional costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating a custom control system, the invention uses a copy of existing technology (portable computers with touchscreen interfaces) that operators are already familiar with. This approach replicates the control functionality on a device that is already mass-produced and cost-effective, avoiding the high development and manufacturing costs of a custom solution while maintaining full control precision.
4Reliability
If manual intervention is used for locking the device on the coupling, then the coupling is secure, but the overall coupling process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The portable computer enables continuous control of the coupling process without interruption. The operator can adjust the device interface and initiate locking sequences continuously from the coupling location, eliminating the need to return to the operator's workstation between actions. This continuous control maintains coupling security while significantly improving overall coupling efficiency.
Data Source
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Figure 4
AI summary
An arrangement for controlling a device interface (20, 36) of an agricultural work vehicle (50) comprises: a control unit (46, 68, 70) of the work vehicle (50) which is in control communication with an externally operated actuator (26, 28, 42) for adjusting the position of the device interface (20, 36), and a portable computer (54) with input means and a processor (56) which is in wireless communication connection with the control unit (46, 68, 70) and on which software is downloaded which enables control of the actuator (26, 28, 42) by means of the input means via the processor (56) and the control unit (46, 68, 70).