Autonomous Implement Control for Precise Terrain Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous work vehicles face challenges in controlling work tools beyond position and movement, particularly in achieving precise cutting profiles on uneven terrain, as existing systems lack real-time adjustment capabilities for height and slope errors.
Innovation Solution
A control system equipped with sensors and a communication interface that processes data from various sensors to monitor the implement's position, angle, and terrain conditions, allowing for near-real-time adjustments to achieve desired cutting profiles by generating navigation paths and cutting profiles, and adjusting implement positions based on terrain data and operator inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous control is implemented for work vehicles, then operational efficiency and precision are improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into modular components: a control unit for autonomous vehicle control, a separate control system for implement control, and an integrated control system that combines both. This segmentation allows each module to be developed, tested, and maintained independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling comprehensive autonomous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously receives feedback from sensors monitoring vehicle position, implement position, terrain conditions, and operational parameters. This feedback is processed by the control unit to make real-time adjustments to both vehicle navigation and implement positioning, enabling precise autonomous operation without requiring overly complex manual intervention systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time adjustments to implement position and angle are made, then cutting profile precision is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges vehicle control and implement control into a unified control architecture. The control unit receives terrain data and cutting profile specifications, then simultaneously controls both vehicle navigation paths and implement position/angle adjustments. This integration reduces the need for separate complex control systems while achieving precise cutting profiles through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates navigation paths and cutting profiles based on terrain data before operation begins. By determining the optimal vehicle trajectory and implement positioning in advance, the control system only needs to execute pre-planned adjustments rather than calculating complex real-time control parameters, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining precision.
3Loss of time
If autonomous control handles both vehicle movement and implement operation, then operational time is reduced, but the extent of automation increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both vehicle navigation control and implement positioning control within a single integrated system. This universal control architecture eliminates the need for separate operator interventions for vehicle and implement control, reducing operational time while managing automation complexity through a unified control interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to be mounted to a vehicle for adjusting a position of an implement during an autonomous operation being performed by the vehicle. For example, the vehicle may monitor a height, slope angle, and/or load of an implement during an operation and adjust one or more parameters associated with the implement to achieve a desired finishing profile.