DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION:

The present invention relates to a tractor. More particularly, the present invention relates to an air bag safety system of the tractor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Generally, tractors are designed to perform various agricultural operations such as ploughing, cutting silage, towing, and the like. These agricultural operations require high torque, therefore, a major portion of an output power generated by an engine of the tractor is utilized for these agricultural operations. Thus, torque plays an important role in the agricultural operations. To achieve a desired torque value, the tractors are geared up appropriately, thus, gearing restricts a top speed of the tractor. Specifically, appropriate gearing of the tractors prevents high travelling speed of the tractors. Hence tractors are always slow-moving vehicles. However, though tractors are slow-moving vehicles, accidents occur from tractor rollovers in field and/or on roads as the tractors are slow compared to other vehicles.
Conventionally, to minimize deaths and injuries from accidents, the tractors are equipped with a rollover protection structure (ROPS) to protect the operator from the several types of accidents. The ROPS includes a roll bars which surround an operator cabin to form a safety zone. This arrangement surrounds the operator cabin and protect the operator in the event of a rollover or accidents. The ROPS are currently used in the tractors for operator safety. The ROPS forms a safety zone in a proximity of the operator. However, even after that death and/or serious injuries of the operators have been observed during tractor accidents. During the accidents of the tractor, the safety zone of the ROPS prevents the possible injuries from outside the operator cabin, but it does not eliminate injury chances within the operator cabin.
Thus, there is a probability of serious injuries and/or death, during the accident of the tractor. Hence, to avoid the serious injuries and/or death due to accident of the tractor, a safety arrangement is needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention provides an air bag safety system for a tractor. The air bag safety system includes at least one air bag module integrated at least within a steering wheel assembly using a clock spring. The air bag module includes at least one inflatable air bag disposed in a steering wheel of the steering wheel assembly. The air bag module also includes an inflation system adapted to inflate the air bag. The air bag safety system also includes at least one air bag sensor communicably coupled to the inflation system and configured to send an output signal during an accident. The air bag sensor includes an inclination sensor adapted to determine a center of mass of the tractor. The air bag safety system further includes an air bag control unit communicably coupled to the inflation system and the air bag sensor. The air bag control unit is configured to generate an output signal based on an input from the air bag sensor and a number of first parameters from a first sensor system to inflate the air bag.
According to the present invention, the inflation system includes at least one mechanical switch adapted to be activated when the center of mass of the tractor dislocates above a threshold value.
According to the present invention, a threshold value of the inclination of the center of mass of the tractor with respect to a ground surface is 45 degrees.
According to the present invention, the clock spring rotates individually, in such a manner that a wiring harness from the air bag sensor is connected to the airbag module through the clock spring.
According to the present invention, the steering wheel assembly includes a three spocks steering wheel and the tiltable steering column mounded on a rollover protection structure.
According to the present invention, the steering column is tiltable through 12 degrees.
According to the present invention, the air bag is fitted in the steering wheel by a snap-fit mechanism.
According to the present invention, the first sensor system includes an operator seat sensor, a seat belt sensor, and a door sensor.
According to the present invention, the air bag control unit further configured to receive a number of second parameters from a second sensor system of the tractor.
According to the present invention, the second sensor system includes a speed sensor and an acceleration sensor.
According to the present invention, a plurality of air bag modules having a rear air bag, a top air bag, and a pair of side air bags.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS:
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an tractor.
Figure 2 (I) illustrates a perspective view of a steering wheel assembly associated with the tractor of Figure 1.
Figure 2 (II) illustrates a cross-sectional view of the steering wheel assembly associated with the tractor of Figure 1.
Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of an air bag safety system associated with the tractor of Figure 1.
Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of the air bag safety system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
Wherever possible, the same reference numbers have been used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts. Wherever possible, corresponding, or similar reference numbers have been used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts.
Where the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun, e.g. “a” “an” or “the”, this includes a plural of that noun unless something otherwise is specifically stated. Hence, the term “comprising” should not be interpreted as being restricted to the items listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps, and so the scope of the expression “a device comprising items A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. This expression signifies that, with respect to the present disclosure, the only relevant components of the device are A and B.
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an tractor (100). The tractor (100) shown herein is embodied as a tractor. Although shown as tractor, it may be understood that the tractor (100) may alternatively include other tractors (100) such as field cultivator, seeder, planter, and the like, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The tractor (100) may perform one or more operations such as ploughing, cutting silage, towing, and the like.
The tractor (100) defines a front end (102) and a rear end (104). The tractor (100) includes a frame (106). The tractor (100) also includes an engine (not shown) as a power source disposed within an engine compartment (108). The engine may include two stroke engine, four stroke engine, and the like, without limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Further, the engine may utilize any type of fuel such as gasoline, diesel, compressed natural gas (CNG), and the like, to generate output power. It should be noted that the tractor (100) may include any other type of power source such as battery, fuel cell, or combination thereof.
The tractor (100) further includes a pair of front wheels (110) and a pair of rear wheels (112). The pair of front wheels (110) are relatively smaller as compared to the pair of rear wheels (112). The pair of front wheels (110) are used for steering and locomotive purpose whereas the pair of the rear wheels (112) are used for one or more operations. The tractor (100) includes a transmission system (not shown) to transfer output power generated by the power source to one or more components of the tractor (100) such as pair of rear wheels (112).
The tractor (100) also includes a first sensor system (114), (115) and a second sensor system (118). The first sensor system (114), (115) include an operator seat sensor (not shown), a seat belt sensor (114), and a door sensor (115). The inclinometer measures an inclination of the tractor (100) with respect to a ground surface (not shown). Further, a threshold value of the inclination of the tractor (100) with respect to the ground surface is stored in a memory (not shown) of an air bag control unit (116) (as shown in Figure 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the threshold value of the inclination of the tractor (100) with respect to the ground surface ranges between 40 degrees to 50 degrees. Specifically, the threshold value of the inclination of the tractor (100) with respect to a ground surface is 45 degrees. The seat belt sensor (114) measures a pressure on the operator seat to detect presence of the operator. It should be noted that the first sensor system (114), (115) may include any other sensors, without any limitations.
The second sensor system (118) include a speed sensor (118) and an acceleration sensor (not shown). The speed sensor (118) provides a speed of the tractor (100). The acceleration sensor provides an acceleration of the tractor (100). Further, a threshold value of the speed and/or acceleration of the tractor (100) is stored in the memory of the air bag control unit (116) (as shown in Figure 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the minimum threshold value of the speed of the tractor (100) is 20 kilometer per hour (km/hr). Specifically, the threshold value of the speed of the tractor (100) is 25 km/hr. It should be noted that the second sensor system (118) may include any other sensors, without any limitations. Further, the agriculture machine may include any other sensor without any limitations.
The tractor (100) further includes an electronic control unit (ECU) (120) (as shown in Figure 4) to perform one or more operations of the tractor (100). The ECU (120) controls one or more of an electrical system or subsystem in the tractor (100). The ECU (120) may store information, analyze one or more input signals from one or more components of the tractor (100), and send one or more output signals to desired one or more components of the tractor (100). The ECU (120) may store various logical operations, algorithm, and programs to performs one or more operations. It should be noted that the ECU (120) may perform any other function which is not explicitly described in this present invention. The ECU (120) may include a first memory (not shown) to store one or more information such as algorithms, instructions, programs, and the like. This information may be retrieved from the first memory during the operations. The ECU (120) may also include a processer (not shown) to process one or more information such as algorithms, instructions, programs, and the like.
The tractor (100) further includes an operator cabin (122). The operator cabin (122) includes an operator seat (not shown), dashboard (not shown), steering wheel assembly (124), lever (not shown), and the like. The operator cabin (122) may include a user interface (not shown) to send and/or receive information related to one or more operations of the tractor (100). The tractor (100) includes a rollover protection structure (ROPS) (126) for safety of the operator during an event of accident. The ROPS (126) is disposed just above the operator cabin (122).
Referring to Figure 2 (I) and Figure 2 (II), the steering wheel assembly (124) includes a steering wheel (128), a tiltable steering column (130), and a clock spring (132). The steering wheel assembly (124) includes a three spocks steering wheel (128) and a tiltable steering column (130) mounded on the rollover protection structure (126). The steering column (130) is tiltable through 12 degrees, each side by 6 degrees. The clock spring (132) includes an upper module and a lower module. Further, the clock spring (132) is mounted on the tiltable steering column (130) via a mounting bracket (134). The tractor (100) further includes an air bag safety system (136). The air bag safety system (136) includes at least one air bag module (138) (as shown in Figure 4). In an preferred embodiment, the air bag module (138) is integrated within a steering wheel assembly (124) using the clock spring (132). The air bag module (138) includes a heating coil (not shown) which provides heating effect when an electric current is passed through the heating coil. In illustrated embodiment, the air bag module (138) is disposed centrally on the steering wheel (128). In other embodiments, the air bag module (138) may be disposed on various locations within the operator cabin (122). The air bag module (138) may be disposed proximate to a headrest of the operator seat, above the operator seat proximate the ROPS (126), left side and right side of the operator seat, and the like.
The air bag module (138) includes at least one inflatable air bag (140) disposed in the steering wheel (128) of the steering wheel assembly (124). The air bag (140) are fitted in the steering wheel (128) by a snap-fit mechanism. The air bag (140) also includes a rear air bag, a top air bag, a knee air bag, and a pair of side air bag. Specifically, the air bag module (138) disposed proximate the headrest of the operator seat includes the rear air bag, the air bag module (138) disposed above the operator seat proximate the ROPS (126) includes the top air bag, the air bag module (138) disposed proximate the knee of the operator includes the knee air bag, and the air bag module (138) disposed left side and right side of the operator seat include the pair of side air bag (140). The air bag is a balloon-like safety device that expand when the tractor (100) experiences the accident. The air bag is manufactured using a thin nylon fabric and fitted at the desired position within the operator cabin (122) in a folded manner. It should be noted that the air bag (140) may be manufactured using any other material without limiting the scope of the present invention. The air bag (140) define a number of holes (not shown) to discharge a high-pressure gas. More particularly, when the air bag (140) come in a contact with a body of the operator, the high-pressure gas filled in the air bag (140) start discharging through the hole. Further, discharging of the high-pressure gas causes the air bag (140) to deflate completely.
The air bag module (138) also includes at least one inflation system (142) adapted to inflate the air bag (140). The inflation system (142) includes at least one mechanical switch (not shown) adapted to be activated when a center of mass of the tractor (100) dislocates above a threshold value. The threshold value for dislocation of the center of mass of the tractor (100) may be pre stored in the first memory of the ECU (120) or in the memory of the air bag control unit (116). Further, when the mechanical switch is activated, an electric current supply is stopped to one or more air bag sensors (144). The stopping of the electric current indicates that the accident has occurred. Moreover, the clock spring (132) rotates individually, in such a manner that a wiring harness from the air bag sensor (144) is connected to the airbag module (138) through the clock spring (132).
The inflation system (142) also includes a first reservoir (not shown) including at least one first chemical compound. In the illustrated embodiment, the first chemical compound includes a sodium azide (NaN3). The inflation system (142) further includes a second reservoir (not shown) including at least one second chemical compound. In the illustrated embodiment, the second chemical compound includes a potassium nitrate (KNO3). It should be noted that the first chemical compound and the second chemical compound may include any other chemical, without limiting the scope of the present invention. Further, a chemical reaction between the first chemical compound and the second chemical compound generates the high-pressure gas to inflate the air bag (140). In the illustrated embodiment, the high-pressure gas includes a nitrogen (N2). It should be noted that the high-pressure gas may include any other gas as per application requirement.
Referring to Figure 3, the air bag safety system (136) also includes at least one air bag sensor (144) communicably coupled to the inflation system (142) and configured to send an output signal during accident. The air bag sensor (144) includes an inclination sensor (not shown) such as inclinometer. The air bag sensors (144) send output signal to inflate the air bag (140). In the illustrated embodiment, two air bag sensors (144) are disposed at the front end (102) of the tractor (100). Further, one air bag sensor (144) is disposed at left side and other air bag sensor (144) is disposed at right side. During the event of accident, the air bag sensors (144) give the output signal to the air bag control unit (116).
Figure 4 illustrates a schematic view of the air bag safety system (136). As illustrated in Figure 4, the air bag safety system (136) further includes the air bag control unit (116) communicably coupled to the inflation system (142) and the air bag sensors (144). The air bag control unit (116) is also communicably coupled to the first sensor system (114), (115), the second sensor system (118), and the like. The air bag control unit (116) is disposed below the tiltable steering column (130) proximate the ECU (120). The air bag control unit (116) includes the memory to store various information. This information may be retrieved by the air bag control unit (116) or the ECU (120) to perform one or more operations. The air bag control unit (116) performs functions similar to the ECU (120).
During the event of accident of the tractor (100), the air bag control unit (116) is configured to analyze a number of inputs from the number of air bag sensors (144). The inputs from the air bag sensors (144) may include data related to the position and orientation of the tractor (100). Further, air bag control unit (116) also determines whether the seat belt is engaged, and the doors are locked through the seat belt sensor (114) and the door sensor (115), respectively.
The air bag control unit (116) is also configured to receive a number of first parameters from the number of first sensor system (114), (115) of the tractor (100). The first parameter may include inclination of the tractor (100), pressure on the operator seat to detect the presence of the operator, and status of door whether the door is locked or unlocked. In the illustrated embodiment, the air bag control unit (116) compares the inclination of the tractor (100) with the threshold value of the inclination of the tractor (100) stored in the memory of the air bag control unit (116). Further, the air bag control unit (116) determines presence of the operator on the operator seat through the seat belt sensor (114).
The air bag control unit (116) is further configured to receive a number of second parameters from a number of second sensor system (118) of the tractor (100). The second parameter may include speed of the tractor (100) and acceleration of the tractor (100). In the illustrated embodiment, the air bag control unit (116) compares the speed of the tractor (100) with the threshold value of the speed of the tractor (100) stored in the memory of the air bag control unit (116).
The air bag control unit (116) is configured to generate an output signal based on the inputs from the air bag sensors (144) and the first parameter from the first sensor system (114), (115), such that the mechanical switch is activated to inflate the at least one air bag (140). Further, the air bag control unit (116) is configured to generate the output signal based on the inputs from the second parameters. The output signal of the air bag control unit (116) may allow unlocking of the seat belt and/or door based on current position of the operator such as forward tilt, backward tilt, and the like. Further, the output signal of the air bag control unit (116) allows passage of the electric current through the heating coil disposed in the air bag module (138) to start the chemical reaction between the first chemical compound and the second chemical compound. This chemical reaction produces the high-pressure gas which instantly inflates the air bag (140) to avoid any injuries to the operator during the accident. Once the air bag (140) comes in a contact with the body of the operator, the air bag (140) start deflating. More particularly, when air bag (140) comes in contact with the body of the operator, the high-pressure gas discharges through the number of holes within a fraction of a second.
The present disclosure relates to the air bag safety system of the tractor. The simple design of the air bag safety system provides additional means for operator safety during the accident. Further, the air bag safety system increases cushioning around one or more body parts of the operator such as head, neck, spine, and the like. This additional cushioning provides comfort to the operator during the operation of the tractor which ultimately reduces the fatigue of the operator. Due to less fatigue, the operator may focus properly on the agricultural operation which minimizes the risk of accidents.
The air bag safety system also decreases the magnitude of force impacting the body of the operator by limiting a fling forward distance. Further, air bag safety system prevents the operator from projecting through a window or ejecting from the tractor during the accident. Furthermore, this arrangement provides the safety to the operator even with lesser speed of 25 km/hr. Moreover, during the accident, the air bag safety system minimize risk of injuries to the operator as the inflation of the air bag takes fractions of second. Thus, this arrangement reduces chances of death by providing instant safety measures.
While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.
,CLAIMS:

1. An air bag safety system (136) of a tractor (100), the air bag safety system (136) comprising:
at least one air bag module (138) integrated at least within a steering wheel assembly (124) using a clock spring (132), the air bag module (138) comprising:
at least one inflatable air bag (140) disposed in a steering wheel (128) of the steering wheel assembly (124); and
an inflation system (142) adapted to inflate the air bag (140);
at least one air bag sensor (144) communicably coupled to the inflation system (142) and configured to send an output signal during an accident, the air bag sensor (144) includes an inclination sensor adapted to determine a center of mass of the tractor (100); and
an air bag control unit (116) communicably coupled to the inflation system (142) and the air bag sensor (144), the air bag control unit (116) is configured to generate an output signal based on an input from the air bag sensor (144) and a number of first parameters from a first sensor system (114), (115) to inflate the air bag (140).

2. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inflation system (142) includes at least one mechanical switch adapted to be activated when the center of mass of the tractor (100) dislocates above a threshold value.

3. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a threshold value of the inclination of the center of mass of the tractor (100) with respect to a ground surface is 45 degrees.

4. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 3, wherein the clock spring (132) rotates individually, in such a manner that a wiring harness from the air bag sensor (144) is connected to the airbag module (138) through the clock spring (132).

5. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the steering wheel assembly (124) includes a three spocks steering wheel (128) and the tiltable steering column (130) mounded on a rollover protection structure (126).

6. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the steering column (130) is tiltable through 12 degrees.

7. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the air bag (140) is fitted in the steering wheel (128) by a snap-fit mechanism.

8. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the first sensor system (114), (115) includes an operator seat sensor, a seat belt sensor (114), and a door sensor (115).

9. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 8, wherein the air bag control unit (116) further configured to receive a number of second parameters from a second sensor system (118) of the tractor (100).

10. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second sensor system (118) includes a speed sensor (118) and an acceleration sensor.

11. The air bag safety system (136) as claimed in any of the preceding claims 1 to 10 comprising a plurality of air bag modules (138) having a rear air bag, a top air bag, and a pair of side air bags.