Smart Stability: Automation of Braking Solutions, Hill Hold and Parking Brake Strategy in Tractors Using Electro-Hydraulic Actuation

Agricultural operations in hilly, uneven & slopy terrains demands high levels of operator focus, effort and skill. However, todays farming ecosystem across the globe is affected by 2 major scenarios: the aging workforce in the agricultural sector and the ever-growing problem of distraction due to mobile device and social media use. These issues compromise safety during operations such as start stop maneuvers, parking on slopes, and maneuvering in confined & narrow areas. Stringent emission norms are also being mandated across developed and developing countries as a measure to reduce Global Greenhouse house gas emissions. These measures are indeed necessary for sustainability but has increased overall tractor purchase and operating costs without improving safety & operator comfort. There has been a trend seen around the world in terms of poor sales post Emission implementation. Registration of Older tractors without these stringent emission norms were also witnessed in Developed countries. Hence, there is a need for tangible, value-adding features that provides solutions to 2 of the above-mentioned problems. This paper presents an automation approach using existing hydraulic brake actuation systems — specifically, hydraulic cylinders — to implement Automatic One side Braking which has been a long-time issue of Agricultural farmers of Compact & Utility segment. These segments traditionally lack automation as Cost has always been an important factor in this segment. Hill Hold, E-Parking Brake are the other proposed solutions require minimal changes to conventional braking hardware while adding electronic control logic to reduce operator workload, improve productivity, and enhance safety. The implementation is discussed for conventional internal combustion engine tractors in traditional power train, Hydrostatic & power shuttle transmission models.