Analysis of Rollover Characteristics of a 12 kW Automatic Onion Transplanter to Reduce Stability Hazards

Abstract

The rollover tendency of upland farm machinery needs to be carefully considered because upland crop fields are typically irregular, and accidents frequently result in injuries and even death to the operators. In this study, the rollover characteristics of an underdeveloped 12 kW automatic onion transplanter were determined theoretically and evaluated through simulation and validation tests considering the mounting position of the transplanting unit and load conditions. The center of gravity (CG) coordinates for different mass distributions, and static and dynamic rollover angles were calculated theoretically. Simulation and validation tests were conducted to assess the static rollover angle under different mounting positions of the transplanting unit and load conditions of the onion transplanter. The dynamic rollover tendency was evaluated by operating the onion transplanter on different surfaces and at different speeds. According to the physical properties and mass of the onion transplanter, the theoretical rollover angle was 34.5°, and the coordinates of the CG gradually moved back to the rear wheel axle after attaching the transplanting part and under upward riding conditions. The average simulated rollover angle was 43.9°. A turning difference of 4.5° was observed between the right and left sides, where a 3° angle difference occurred due to the load variation. During the dynamic stability test, angle variations of 2~4° and 3~6° were recorded for both high and low driving speeds in the vehicle platform and transplanting unit, respectively. The overturning angles also satisfied the ISO standard. This study provides helpful information for ensuring the safety of upland crop machinery operating under rough and sloped field conditions.

Enhancing Safety through Optimal Placement of Components in Hydrogen Tractor: Rollover Angle Analysis

“…Variables can be set with a minimum time using simulations before proceeding with the actual experiment [39][40][41]. Chowdhury et al [42] analyzed static rollover stability to reduce the risk of rollover in onion transplanters and deduced the lateral rollover angle in one direction. As the rollover angle was analyzed in only one direction, there was a limit to understanding the rollover angle in various directions.…”

Enhancing Tractor Stability and Safety through Individual Actuators in Active Suspension

“…In their simulation-based study, experiments were conducted in a safe manner by controlling various conditions and variables that may be difficult to control in real-world experiments and by analyzing the results. Chowdhury et al [32] studied the rollover characteristics of an onion transplanter to reduce the risk of rollover. They measured the rollover angle in only one direction.…”