Automated Agricultural Implement Reconnection via GPS Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for locating and reconnecting agricultural implements are inefficient, especially in conditions of limited visibility, uneven terrain, and large work areas, requiring precise knowledge of the implement's position and involving time-consuming manual processes.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a position locating method to determine and store the starting point of the implement, followed by a mapping trip to record a predetermined distance, allowing for an automated localization trip to return to the starting point and reconnect the implement, enabling efficient reconnection without visual contact or precise knowledge of the position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually locates the implement using visual contact, then the coupling process can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult in limited visibility conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual location with an automated electronic positioning system using GPS receivers and control units. The system automatically determines positions, calculates movement paths, and guides the work vehicle to the implement without requiring operator visual contact or manual navigation, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the work vehicle to autonomously navigate to the implement by automatically processing position data, calculating optimal paths, and providing guidance signals. This self-service capability eliminates the need for operator intervention in the location process, improving ease of operation while reducing time loss.
2Area of stationary object
If the implement is positioned in remote or hard-to-find locations to maximize work area coverage, then larger territories can be processed, but locating the implement becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual search with automated electronic positioning systems that can precisely locate implements anywhere in the work area regardless of visibility conditions. GPS receivers and control units automatically determine positions and provide navigation guidance, enabling the work vehicle to find implements even in remote locations without increasing difficulty.
3Productivity
If automated positioning systems are implemented, then locating the implement becomes easier and faster, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the existing control units and GPS receivers - they serve both for position determination and for calculating movement paths and providing guidance signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving productivity while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The position of the working machine (1) and the position of the agricultural tools (4,5,7) is determined by a position locating method as a starting point (A). A mapping travel along a distance of predetermined length is performed, during which the working machine from the detected position of the agricultural tools is removed. A localization travel is performed in which the end point (B) of the distance of the mapping travel using the position locating method is approached automatically from starting point automatically. An independent claim is included for agricultural Working machine.