Work Train Steering Correction from Processing Device Track Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractors face challenges in maintaining optimal track guidance during cultivation due to the need for high driver attention and manual intervention, which often leads to errors, especially when using different attachments that require varying sensor configurations and control logic.
Innovation Solution
A work train system comprising a tractor with a control unit and steering system, coupled with a processing device having a track sensor system and control unit, allows the processing device to detect deviations from a target position and send control commands to the tractor's steering system for automatic correction, relieving the tractor of control logic complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual track guidance is used by the driver, then the system is simple to operate, but the driver requires high attention and makes errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the processing device autonomously monitors its own position using track sensors and automatically adjusts steering via the tractor's steering system without requiring driver intervention for track guidance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated control system that uses sensor data processing and electronic steering control to maintain track position, substituting the driver's mechanical steering actions with an automated feedback loop
2Adaptability or versatility
If different attachments are used with varying sensor configurations, then the system is versatile, but the control logic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by implementing a standardized control architecture where the processing device control unit can manage different attachment types through a common interface and control logic framework, allowing the same basic system to adapt to various processing devices without requiring completely different control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into modular components: track sensors, processing device control unit, and tractor control unit, where each component has a specific function and can be independently configured for different attachment types, reducing overall system complexity through functional decomposition
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a work train (1) with a tractor (2), having a vehicle body (3), a tractor control unit (8) and a steering system (5) that can be controlled by the latter, and with a processing device (17) that is coupled to the tractor (2) in the operating state and that has a track sensor system (25) and a processing device control unit (23) that is designed to determine, when driving through a processing area (40), by means of the track sensor system (25), whether there is a deviation between an actual position (PI) of the processing device (17) in relation to an orientation structure (35) of the processing area (40) and a target position (Ps).In order to simplify the tracking of a tractor in combination with different processing devices, the invention provides that the processing device control unit (23) is designed to send a control command to the tractor control unit (8) in the event of a deviation (A) from the target position (Ps), by means of which control command the tractor control unit (8) controls the steering (5) in order to carry out a correction by means of which the actual position (PI) is at least approximated to the target position (Ps).