Automatic leveling and predictive balancing system for tractors
View Patent ↗An automatic leveling and predictive balancing system for a tractor includes a laterally translatable counterweight assembly mounted to a standard hitch. The system dynamically repositions the counterweight in response to tilt sensor data or, in advanced embodiments, in anticipation of unlevel terrain based on speed, heading, and stored terrain data. The system comprises a weight compartment, a drive mechanism, and a controller operably coupled to a sensor array. The controller actuates the counterweight automatically to improve stability and traction. A predictive mode evaluates operational parameters to initiate weight shifting prior to encountering terrain changes. Manual override controls May also be included.
1 . An automatic leveling system for a tractor, the system comprising:
a counterweight assembly configured to translate laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the tractor;
a weight compartment contained within the counterweight assembly and configured to receive one or more ballast weights selected based on a size of the tractor, a weight of an operator, and a grade on which the tractor operates;
a sensor array configured to detect a tilt angle or grade of the tractor;
a drive mechanism coupled to the counterweight assembly and configured to move the counterweight assembly laterally in response to data from the sensor array, so as to automatically adjust a lateral distribution of weight to counteract tilting of the tractor; and
a manual override control configured to allow an operator to override the automatic control of the counterweight assembly.
2 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a mounting structure configured to attach the automatic leveling system to a standard three-point hitch of the tractor.
3 . The system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller operatively connected to the sensor array and the drive mechanism, the controller being configured to: (a) receive sensor input indicating a tilt condition, (b) determine a weight shift direction and magnitude, and (c) actuate the drive mechanism to reposition the counterweight assembly accordingly.
4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the controller includes a user interface enabling input of tractor-specific or terrain-specific parameters.
5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders operable to shift the counterweight assembly laterally.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises a winch and pulley assembly configured to translate the counterweight assembly.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises a gear-based cog-to-cog translation system.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor array comprises at least one accelerometer and one gyroscope.
9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the sensor array is part of an inertial measurement unit (IMU).
10 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the manual override control is integrated with a loader lever of the tractor.
11 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the counterweight assembly is configured to move laterally a distance equal to at least half the width of the tractor.
12 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the automatic leveling system is configured to stabilize the tractor and increase traction during operation in four-wheel drive mode.
13 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the counterweight assembly includes a liquid or granular fillable chamber in addition to solid ballast weights.
14 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor array is configured to detect both lateral and longitudinal tilt, and the controller is configured to calculate a composite tilt vector to determine counterweight adjustment direction.
15 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to store and retrieve balancing data based on previously encountered terrain.
16 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the automatic leveling system is further configured to mount to a riding lawn mower, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a sport utility vehicle (SUV), or heavy machinery.
17 . An automatic predictive leveling system for a tractor, the system comprising:
a counterweight assembly configured to translate laterally relative to a longitudinal axis of the tractor;
a weight compartment contained within the counterweight assembly and configured to receive one or more ballast weights selected based on a size of the tractor, a weight of an operator, and anticipated terrain conditions;
a sensor system configured to detect (1) terrain or tilt response data and (2) operating parameters of the tractor including speed and directional heading;
a non-volatile memory in data communication with said sensor system and for storing said terrain or tilt-response data; and
a controller in data communication with the memory and operably coupled to the sensor system and to a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being operably configured coupled to the counterweight assembly,
wherein the controller is configured to:
(a) evaluate the operating parameters of the tractor;
(b) predict an upcoming tilt condition or change in grade based on the operating parameters and data stored in the memory; and
(c) initiate movement of the counterweight assembly laterally in advance of the tractor experiencing the tilt or grade condition, thereby automatically adjusting a lateral distribution of weight to preemptively counteract an anticipated tilt.
18 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the memory includes a digital terrain map used to anticipate terrain-related tilt conditions.
19 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the controller is further configured to correlate vehicle speed with upcoming terrain features to optimize timing of counterweight movement.
20 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the sensor system comprises a GPS receiver and inertial measurement unit (IMU).
21 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the drive mechanism comprises a hydraulic actuator.
22 . The system of claim 17 , further comprising a manual override switch configured to interrupt or delay predictive movement of the counterweight assembly.
23 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the predictive leveling system is adapted to operate in a rear-mounted configuration connected to the tractor's hitch.
24 . The system of claim 17 , wherein the controller is configured to update the memory with learned tilt-response profiles based on actual operating history of the tractor.