Semi-Automatic Holding Tool for Agricultural Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural devices for semi-automatic movement of objects often distract operators, leading to reduced productivity and increased workplace risks due to complex movement patterns and split focus, particularly when mounted on vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural device with a holding tool, load sensing means, driving means, and control unit that allows semi-automatic movement between predetermined positions, enabling single-command operation and automatic alignment for picking up or placing objects, reducing operator attention on movement and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If semi-automatic movement patterns with multiple commands are implemented, then movement operations can be automated, but operator distraction increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically moving the holding tool to predetermined positions (upper/lower retrieval and placing positions) before the actual object transfer operation. This pre-positioning is done based on load sensing results, eliminating the need for operators to manually adjust positions and reducing distraction during critical operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves itself by using load sensing means to automatically detect when an object is held and autonomously selecting the appropriate predetermined position for movement. The control unit processes this information and executes movements without continuous operator intervention, reducing cognitive load on the operator while maintaining automation benefits.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple movement commands are required for position adjustment, then precise positioning can be achieved, but operator focus is split and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The movement system is segmented into distinct predetermined positions (upper retrieval position, upper placing position, lower retrieval position, lower placing position) with specific functions. Each position is optimized for particular operations, and the control unit manages transitions between these predefined states, reducing the complexity of continuous position adjustments and improving operator focus.
Solution Approach 2:
Load sensing means provide feedback to the control unit about whether the holding tool currently holds an object. This feedback enables the control unit to automatically select the appropriate predetermined position and adjust movements accordingly, ensuring precise positioning while reducing the number of commands the operator must monitor and manage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the holding tool can move freely between positions, then operational flexibility is maintained, but movement efficiency decreases due to manual control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts between two operational modes: a first mode for manual/free movement when operational flexibility is needed, and a second mode for semi-automatic movement using predetermined positions when movement efficiency is prioritized. The control unit processes load sensing information to automatically switch between modes, maintaining both flexibility and efficiency as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by switching between different movement schemes based on the current state (whether the holding tool holds an object). In the second mode, the control unit modifies movement parameters to follow predetermined paths and positions, improving efficiency while maintaining adaptability through mode selection.
4Ease of operation
If operators manually control all movements, then complete control is maintained, but time is lost due to frequent stops for position adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs preliminary actions by automatically moving the holding tool to the correct predetermined position before the operator needs to perform the actual object transfer. This eliminates the need for operators to stop and manually adjust positions during operations, reducing time loss while maintaining ease of operation through automated preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically handling position adjustments based on load sensing feedback. The control unit processes information about whether the holding tool holds an object and autonomously executes movements to appropriate positions, freeing the operator from time-consuming manual positioning tasks while maintaining operational control.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an agricultural device for semi-automatic movement of a holding tool, for holding an object, between two positions, said two positions being at different heights. The device comprises said holding tool for holding the object, load sensing means for determining if the holding tool holds an object, driving means (9) for moving the holding tool up and down, a control unit for controlling the driving means, and a user interface for user input to the control unit. The device can be used in two modes of operations, wherein the holding tool in a first mode of operation is freely movably, and in a second mode of operation is semi-automatically movable between a plurality of determined positions (URP, UPP, LRP, LPP) depending on if the holding tool is holding an object or not, and which command is given to the user interface. The invention further relates to an agricultural vehicle comprising such an agricultural device, a method for an agricultural device, for such semi-automatic movement, and software for obtaining information related to driving means, said software being adapted to perform the method according to the invention.