Autonomous Implement Attachment System for Ground Utility Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ground utility robots lack the ability to autonomously and safely operate in unstructured outdoor environments, failing to effectively attach and detach implements without human intervention and navigate through varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system equipping ground utility robots with AI processing units, sensors, and a quick hitch attachment apparatus that uses identification tags and computer vision to automatically connect and disconnect implements, enabling autonomous operation and navigation in unstructured environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ground utility robots operate autonomously in unstructured outdoor environments, then operational versatility and productivity are improved, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to inability to recognize obstacles and navigate varying conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an implement attachment system as an intermediary component between the robot and work implements. This system includes sensors, processors, and control mechanisms that mediate the interaction, enabling safe autonomous operation by detecting implement presence, verifying proper attachment, and controlling power take-off operations independently of human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system performs self-service through autonomous implement attachment and detachment operations. The system uses sensors to detect implements, processors to determine proper attachment, and control mechanisms to secure implements without human assistance. The power take-off system also self-regulates by monitoring implement load and adjusting power delivery autonomously.
2Productivity
If ground utility robots lack human intervention for implement attachment, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases due to need for automated sensing and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The implement attachment system serves multiple functions within a single integrated design. It detects implement presence using sensors, determines proper attachment using processors, secures implements using actuators, and controls power take-off operations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into a unified attachment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical attachment operations with automated sensing and control systems. Sensors detect implement presence and position, processors analyze sensor data to determine proper attachment, and actuators mechanically secure the implement. This substitution of manual operations with automated systems improves productivity while managing complexity through modular design.
3Device complexity
If ground utility robots use traditional manual implement attachment, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate due to requiring human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-detecting implement presence using sensors before attachment is initiated. The processor pre-analyzes sensor data to determine proper attachment position and orientation. Power take-off operations are pre-configured based on detected implement type. These preliminary actions prepare the system for rapid automated attachment, reducing overall attachment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement attachment system enables continuous operational cycles by automating the attachment and detachment process. While one implement is being used, the system can prepare for the next attachment operation by monitoring for implement removal and pre-positioning components. This continuity eliminates idle time between tasks and maintains productive action throughout operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic implement attachment and detachment system having a ground utility robot with at least one sensor; a computer processor; and a computer memory whereby the system also includes a quick hitch attachment apparatus having a body securable to the ground utility robot; at least one mateable connection part; and an implement having at least one connection member where the implement attachment system is configured to automatically attach and detach the implement to and from the ground utility robot.