UTOPUS: A Novel Traction Mechanism to Minimize Soil Compaction and Reduce Energy Consumption

Abstract

Tractor tires on agricultural soil suffer from inherent limitations like energy loss due to slip and tire flexing and a need for considerable ballast to gain traction. These limitations contribute to soil compaction, make the agricultural tractor energy-inefficient and make it unviable to power a tractor with solar panels or by storing renewable energy in batteries.To address these disadvantages as a whole, we introduce a novel traction mechanism that allows weeding and cultivation using only autarkic solar energy, based on the novel principle of retractable tines or crampons for traction. The mechanism inserts relatively small crampons every few meters into the soil, and then uses a push-pull mechanism to pull tillage implements through the soil, without any additional ballast. The light weight of the resulting machine and the small contact area of crampons with the soil reduce soil compaction, while the static nature of the crampons minimizes energy loss and increases energy efficiency.We report a range of successful proof-of-concept trials which show the practical feasibility of the basic concept for weeding and soil cultivation with solar energy, wind energy, and electric power supply under different conditions. We also provide calculations on the economic advantages compared to ballasted tires.

UTOPUS Traction Technology: A new method for planetary exploration of steep and difficult terrain

“…Because crampons can generate pull with much less weight than a tractor, they can be expected to minimize soil compaction, preserve soil structure, increase rain water infiltration, and increase soil fertility. The resulting agricultural device has been described by Bover et al (2016). As the crampons offer good traction, stability, and fuel economy, the UTOPUS traction mechanism might offer an alternative to wheel-based rovers for planetary exploration missions.…”

“…The UTOPUS traction technology (Bover, 2011;Nannen et al, 2016) uses inching locomotion to push-pull a vehicle forward from retractable rods or tines which it drives into the ground to exploit the subsurface soil strength. We use the term "crampon" to distinguish a rod or tine which is used to generate traction or pull from other soil-engaging rods or tines.…”