Agricultural Vehicle End-of-Row Turn Path Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicle operations face inefficiencies due to manual execution of end-of-row turns, leading to errors in heading and path alignment, resulting in skipped or overlapped sections, which reduce operational efficiency and increase time loss.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a continuous curvature end-of-row turn path using clothoid segments, considering factors like minimum turning radius, maximum turning rate, and vehicle capabilities, to create a smooth and efficient path that can be automatically or semi-automatically implemented.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control is used for end-of-row turns, then the operator can adjust the path freely, but errors in heading and alignment occur leading to skipped or overlapped sections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical steering control with an automated guidance system that uses GPS positioning and pre-calculated turn paths. The system automatically controls the vehicle's steering and speed during end-of-row turns, eliminating manual operation errors while maintaining path precision through computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle parameters (steering angle, speed) based on the calculated turn path and real-time vehicle position. By continuously modifying these parameters according to the optimal path geometry, the system achieves precise alignment without manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If manual end-of-row turns are executed, then the operator can respond to conditions, but time is lost due to corrections and repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The automated guidance system replaces manual steering and speed control during end-of-row turns, eliminating the time operators spend making corrections and repositioning. The system executes turns efficiently by automatically following the calculated optimal path without human intervention delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the optimal turn path before the vehicle reaches the end of the row. This advance planning allows the vehicle to execute the turn smoothly and efficiently without mid-course corrections, saving time and improving productivity.
3Ease of operation
If a simple turn path is used, then the path is easy to follow, but it may not be the most efficient path leading to skips and overlaps
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates and executes turn paths with optimized geometric parameters that minimize field coverage gaps and overlaps. By precisely controlling the turn radius, angle, and speed parameters, the system achieves both efficiency and accuracy without requiring complex manual navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated guidance system continuously monitors the vehicle's actual position and compares it to the optimal turn path. Real-time feedback allows the system to make minor adjustments to stay on the efficient path, ensuring both productivity and precision without operator intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes generating a non-continuous curvature end-of-row turn path for an agricultural vehicle, wherein the non-continuous curvature end-of-row turn path includes a plurality of initial segments that are curved or straight, adding at least one continuity segment between each of the plurality of initial segments, wherein the at least one continuity segment includes a clothoid segment, and the initial segments and the at least one continuity segment combine to form a continuous curvature end-of-row turn path, determining, via an iterative process, a maximum drivable speed based on a minimum speed and a target speed, and implementing the continuous end-of-row turn path at the maximum drivable speed.