Automated Headland Turning for Agricultural Ploughs
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural ploughing methods require significant operator expertise and precision for efficient headland turning maneuvers, which can lead to soil compaction and inefficiencies, especially when dealing with varying field conditions and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that automatically determines and executes a suitable headland turning routine for an agricultural plough based on received control-data, including plough, trajectory, and field data, selecting from predetermined routines to optimize turning operations and prevent soil compaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual headland turning maneuvers are performed by operator, then flexibility in handling different field conditions is maintained, but operator expertise and precision are required leading to soil compaction and inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated guidance system that uses GPS/RTK positioning and pre-programmed turning routines. The system automatically calculates and executes headland turning maneuvers based on field boundary data and plough trajectory, eliminating the need for operator intervention and the associated soil compaction problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using real-time positioning data and dynamic trajectory calculation. Instead of fixed manual control, the system continuously adjusts the plough's position and orientation parameters based on GPS coordinates and pre-defined turning patterns, enabling precise control that prevents soil compaction.
2Device complexity
If traditional headland turning methods are used, then simplicity of the control system is maintained, but significant operator expertise and precision are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-programming multiple turning routines (K-turn, Y-turn, U-turn, etc.) and storing field boundary data before operation. During actual headland turning, the system automatically selects and executes the appropriate pre-defined routine based on the current situation, ensuring reliable and consistent maneuvers without requiring complex real-time decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through real-time GPS/RTK positioning that monitors the plough's actual position and compares it with the desired trajectory. This feedback loop allows the system to make automatic adjustments during headland turning maneuvers, ensuring high reliability and precision regardless of the chosen turning routine.
3Productivity
If manual control is used for headland turns, then adaptability to varying field conditions is maintained through operator judgment, but inefficiencies and delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamics by enabling automatic selection among multiple turning routines based on real-time field conditions and plough position. The control system dynamically adjusts the turning maneuver parameters and executes the most efficient routine for the current situation, optimizing productivity while minimizing time loss during headland transitions.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for controlling an agricultural plough, wherein the method comprises: receiving boundary-data indicative of a position of the agricultural plough with respect to a boundary between a work area and a headland of a field across which the agricultural plough is being moved; automatically determining a suitable headland turning routine; and executing the determined headland turning routine on the basis of the boundary-data received.