Adjustable All-Terrain Utility Vehicle for Standing Crop Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility vehicles are inflexible, have fixed ground clearance, leading to inefficiencies and damage to crops and soil, and lack the ability to perform multiple operations in varied terrain and soil conditions with precision.
Innovation Solution
An all-terrain utility vehicle with adjustable wheel track and wheelbase, height, and implement orientation, along with semi-autonomous guidance and multiple steering modes, allowing for precise operation and adaptability to different terrains and soil conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tractor is used for agricultural operations, then it can perform land preparation and post harvest work, but it has low ground clearance which limits working in standing crops and causes damage to crops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable ground clearance through height adjustment mechanisms that allow the tractor to dynamically change its clearance based on crop height requirements. This enables the vehicle to adapt from working in standing crops to processing short crops without requiring multiple specialized vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the ground clearance parameter from fixed to variable by incorporating height adjustment systems. This allows the operator to modify the ground clearance parameter according to specific operational needs, such as increasing clearance for tall crops or decreasing it for field operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional utility vehicles have fixed ground clearance, then the structure is simple, but the operator cannot adjust clearance for different crop heights resulting in crop damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic height adjustment capabilities through mechanical or hydraulic systems that allow the chassis to be raised or lowered. This adds complexity to the vehicle structure but enables adaptive ground clearance adjustment for different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal vehicle platform that can perform multiple functions by adjusting ground clearance. Instead of requiring separate vehicles for different crop types, a single vehicle with adjustable height can handle diverse agricultural operations, making the added structural complexity worthwhile.
3Reliability
If conventional hitch systems are used for weight transfer, then the vehicle structure is simple, but majority of accidents happen due to weight transfer and soil damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical hitch systems with electrically or hydraulically actuated height adjustment mechanisms. This substitution improves reliability by providing more precise and controlled weight distribution while reducing the accidental weight transfer issues associated with traditional hitches.
4Ease of operation
If conventional 2-wheel steering systems are used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but maneuverability is limited in restricted space situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic steering capabilities by allowing independent control of front and rear wheels. This enables the vehicle to switch between conventional steering modes and more agile four-wheel steering modes for restricted spaces, significantly improving maneuverability at the cost of increased system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosures herein generally relate to a vehicle and more particularly, to an all-terrain utility vehicle which can perform multiple operations, in varied terrain and soil conditions, with precision and guidance. An all-terrain utility vehicle mainly includes wheel track and wheel base adjusting system, a height adjusting system, a plurality of vertical axle assemblies, a steering system, an implement position adjusting system, a master controller unit and a plurality of wheel drive motors. All the vehicle functions being controlled and guided with the help of an electronic master control module which enables optional manual, remote and autonomous operations. The electronic master control module utilizes externally acquired location data and digital maps with soil and plant information for enabling precision field operations.