Aerial Work Apparatus Posture Control on Uneven Ground

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural work using aerial vehicles faces challenges in appropriately controlling the posture of work apparatuses on the ground surface, leading to potential crashes and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A work machine comprising an aerial vehicle, a work apparatus, a connection mechanism, and a posture controller that controls the posture of the work apparatus by manipulating the aerial vehicle or the connection mechanism, allowing for appropriate ground surface work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the aerial vehicle is used for agricultural work without posture control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the work precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A posture control mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the aerial vehicle and the work apparatus. This mechanism includes actuators and sensors that actively adjust the orientation and position of the work apparatus, ensuring precise work performance while isolating the complexity from the core aerial vehicle system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic posture control where the work apparatus can actively adjust its orientation in real-time based on flight conditions and terrain requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to maintain optimal work posture during flight, improving precision without requiring the entire aerial vehicle to be overly complex.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the connection between aerial vehicle and work apparatus is maintained during flight, then the system stability is improved, but the risk of crash increases due to uncontrollable posture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem stabilityVSAvoidcrash risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer mechanism is incorporated into the connection system between the aerial vehicle and work apparatus. This buffer mechanism includes shock-absorbing elements that can cushion impacts and reduce the transmission of sudden forces, thereby preventing crashes while maintaining connection stability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control through sensors that monitor the posture and connection status between the aerial vehicle and work apparatus. This feedback information is used by the control system to continuously adjust the connection mechanism, maintaining stable connection while preventing crash conditions by detecting and responding to adverse situations in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If the work apparatus is pressed against the ground surface without inclination control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the work precision on inclined surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework precision on inclined surfacesVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

An inclination detection system with sensors is integrated into the work apparatus to detect the slope angle and orientation of the ground surface. This feedback information is transmitted to the control system, which automatically adjusts the pressing force and orientation of the work apparatus to maintain optimal contact with the ground surface, ensuring precise work on inclined surfaces without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The work apparatus is equipped with self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically adapt to ground inclination based on sensor input. The system performs self-correction of its posture and pressing force, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustment by the operator while maintaining high work precision on varied terrain.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables precise and efficient agricultural work by maintaining the optimal posture of the work apparatus relative to the ground surface, reducing the risk of crashes and enhancing operational stability.

Implementation Method 1

an aerial vehicle (2) configured to fly by generating thrust

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust: Jet

Implementation Method 2

a buffer mechanism configured to buffer an impact from the work apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact buffering: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS20250287876A1Work machine
Publication Date: 2025.09.18 KUBOTA CORP
  • US20250287876A1 patent drawing
  • US20250287876A1 patent drawing
  • US20250287876A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A work machine includes a work apparatus configured to perform work on a ground surface, an aerial vehicle configured to fly by generating thrust, a connection mechanism configured to connect the work apparatus and the aerial vehicle, and a posture controller configured or programmed to control at least one of the aerial vehicle or the connection mechanism to control a posture of the work apparatus.