Agricultural Work Machine Configuration Optimization via Device Interface Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural work systems face challenges in accurately evaluating and optimizing work machine configurations due to inefficiencies in considering attachment device interfaces, leading to untapped optimization potential.

Innovation Solution

The system determines and assesses the device interface load by calculating it based on the attachment configuration, using an attachment model that accounts for weight and process-related load components, allowing for flexible expansion and optimization of work machine configurations to improve efficiency, fuel usage, and lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the work system uses basic attachment parameter storage for configuration evaluation, then the system structure remains simple, but the evaluation precision and optimization accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the evaluation approach from storing basic attachment parameters to calculating dynamic device interface loads based on attachment configurations. This parameter transformation enables precise evaluation of machine configuration effects (such as ballast and tire pressure) by quantifying the actual mechanical loads transmitted through attachment interfaces, thereby resolving the contradiction between evaluation precision and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the system calculates device interface load based on attachment configuration, then the optimization accuracy improves, but the calculation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization efficiencyVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing device interface load characteristics and calculation models for different attachment configurations in the control arrangement. When evaluating machine configurations, the system retrieves and combines these pre-stored data with current operating parameters, avoiding complex real-time calculations while achieving accurate load assessment and optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the system evaluates machine configuration without considering device interface load, then the system operation remains simple, but the service life optimization and fuel efficiency improvement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidevaluation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring attachment configurations and calculating the resulting device interface loads, which are then fed back to evaluate and optimize machine configurations (such as ballast distribution and tire pressure settings). This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adjust configurations to minimize mechanical stresses on critical components, thereby extending service life while improving fuel efficiency without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3639640B1Agricultural system
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 CLAAS TRACTOR
  • EP3639640B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3639640B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an agricultural work system with an agricultural work machine (1) which can be equipped with at least one attachment (3) via at least one device interface (2), wherein the work machine (1) is assigned a work machine configuration (9), wherein the attachment (3) is assigned an attachment configuration (8), wherein a drive unit (4) is provided which acts on ground engagement elements, in particular on wheels (5) via a drive train, and wherein a system control (6) and an operating and display unit (7) assigned to the work machine (1) are provided.It is proposed that the control system (6) be set up to determine the attachment configuration (8), to calculate the device interface load (L) transmitted via the device interface (2) based on the determined attachment configuration (8), and to evaluate and/or optimize the working machine configuration (9) based on the calculated device interface load (L).