A Smart Integrated System in Tractor Seats for Alerting Operators to High Vibration Exposure

Abstract

Agriculture 4.0 represents the fourth agricultural revolution, harnessing digital technologies to foster a more intelligent, efficient, and environmentally responsible sector. The integration of sensors empowers farmers to gather data for optimizing crop growth and yield while minimizing resource usage such as water and fertilizers. Additionally, sensor applications extend to monitoring the health and behavior of agricultural workers, enhancing their well-being and productivity. Much research focuses on vibration analysis; however, solutions applied to machines for controlling high vibration levels are scarce. Although sensors are widely used to monitor machine processes, their primary focus is on the machine itself. This study aims to introduce a smart solution for real-time monitoring, generating timely alerts for tractor operators when vibrations surpass safety thresholds, potentially impacting seat adjustments or operating conditions (e.g., forward speed). In the initial phase, real-time Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and Seat Effective Width Transmissibility (SEAT) measurements were conducted. Simultaneously, vibration measurements on the seat shell were performed to evaluate the acceleration transfer function between the seat structure and the seat itself. Tests involved three operators with different masses, simulating conditions of incorrect seat adjustment and excessive forward speed. The developed system, independent of the tractor's existing electronics, enables the display of the A(8) parameter and identification of impulsive phenomena. An alert condition, indicating the exceeding of threshold values mandated by legislative decree 81/2008, is signaled through a small display and flashing LED light. Due to its affordability, the system can be seamlessly integrated into seats and connected to the dashboard, providing operators with indications on the level of exposure to WBV risk, thereby mitigating risks for operators.