Autonomous Handling Machine Tool Coupling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural handling machines require driver intervention for recurring operations, which reduces productivity and are not versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks autonomously.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous handling machine with a chassis, steerable axles, a pivotally mounted boom, and a tool-carrying frame, equipped with spatial detection sensors and an autonomous coupling module that allows it to autonomously position and couple with different tools, enabling versatile and efficient handling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If handling machines are equipped with boom and tool-carrying frame to carry out various handling operations, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling machine is designed with a universal tool-carrying frame that can accommodate multiple types of tools (buckets, forks, spreaders, etc.) through standardized mounting interfaces. This allows a single machine platform to perform diverse agricultural handling operations including material transport, loading, unloading, and distribution, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The handling machine is divided into modular components: a base chassis, a pivotally mounted boom, and a separate tool-carrying frame that can be independently coupled to different tools. This segmentation allows the tool-carrying frame and attached tools to be swapped out as needed, providing versatility while keeping the core machine structure relatively simple and manageable
2Extent of automation
If autonomous coupling module with spatial detection sensors is added to enable autonomous tool coupling, then extent of automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous coupling module enables the handling machine to perform self-positioning and self-coupling operations without human intervention. The spatial detection sensors automatically detect tool positions and orientations, the control unit processes this information to calculate coupling parameters, and the steering member and motor automatically adjust the machine's position and orientation to achieve precise autonomous coupling with the tool
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated control system that uses spatial detection sensors (optical/electronic) to detect tool positions, processes data through a control unit, and actuates the steering member and motor to achieve coupling. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with sensor-based detection and automated control reduces the need for complex manual intervention mechanisms while achieving high-level automation
3Ease of operation
If driver is required to operate handling machines for recurring operations, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous coupling module enables the handling machine to perform self-positioning and self-coupling operations without human intervention. The spatial detection sensors automatically detect tool positions and orientations, the control unit processes this information to calculate coupling parameters, and the steering member and motor automatically adjust the machine's position and orientation to achieve precise autonomous coupling with the tool
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coupling operations with an automated control system that uses spatial detection sensors (optical/electronic) to detect tool positions, processes data through a control unit, and actuates the steering member and motor to achieve coupling. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with sensor-based detection and automated control reduces the need for complex manual intervention mechanisms while achieving high-level automation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an autonomous handling machine comprising an autonomous coupling module (52) which is configured to: - process a signal delivered by a spatial detection sensor (34, 57) and deliver positioning information of a tool (4, 5, 6) representative of the position and orientation of the tool (4, 5, 6) relative to the machine (2); - control at least one steering element (45, 46) and a motor (44) according to the positioning information of the tool (4, 5, 6) so as to position the machine (2) relative to the tool holder frame (16) in a relative coupling position; and - control at least one lifting cylinder (24) and one tipping cylinder (25) when the machine (2) is in said relative coupling position in order to autonomously couple the tool (4, 5, 6) to the tool holder frame (16).The invention also relates to a handling installation comprising such a handling machine and a method for controlling such a handling machine.