Autonomous Mower Height Control for Variable Grass Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous work vehicles, such as those described in JP 2013-164741A, face challenges in smoothly performing operations like lawn mowing due to varying grass heights and densities within a field, leading to increased load on the operation unit and potential inefficiencies, as they cannot automatically adjust the operating height in response to these changes.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle equipped with a link frame that adjusts the operating height based on operation information, including grass height and density evaluations from captured images and field maps, and features a load reduction unit to distribute the workload, ensuring safe operation and preventing accidents by detecting and responding to external loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operation machine is driven with fixed operating height, then the structure is simple and easy to control, but the operation cannot be performed smoothly when grass height varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the operating height adjustable rather than fixed. The height adjustment mechanism allows the operation machine to dynamically change its height position according to grass conditions, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that can adapt to varying work environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the operating height parameter based on grass height detection. The system changes the height parameter dynamically to match working conditions, allowing the operation machine to maintain optimal performance across different grass densities and heights without requiring complete redesign of the machine structure.
2Productivity
If manual adjustment of mowing height is required, then the structure is simple, but the user needs to continuously adjust when grass conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the operation machine to automatically adjust its own height without user intervention. The height adjustment mechanism is controlled autonomously based on detected grass conditions, allowing the machine to serve itself and eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using detection means to sense grass height and density, then using this information to automatically control the height adjustment mechanism. The system continuously monitors working conditions and adjusts the operating height in response to feedback from the environment, creating a closed-loop control system that optimizes performance automatically.
3Device complexity
If the operation machine operates at fixed height, then the device complexity is low, but the load increases when grass density is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the operating height parameter in response to grass density variations. When grass density is high, the system increases the operating height to reduce the load on the operation machine, while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure through the use of an adjustable rather than completely redesigning the system.
4Productivity
If autonomous height adjustment is implemented, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using detection means to sense grass conditions and automatically adjusting the operating height based on this information. This feedback mechanism enables autonomous height adjustment that improves operational efficiency without requiring overly complex control systems, as the adjustment is directly coupled to environmental sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operating height parameter based on detected grass conditions. This approach improves operational efficiency by optimizing the machine's performance for varying work conditions while avoiding the need for completely complex control systems, as it focuses on adjusting a single critical parameter (height) in response to environmental feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle that performs an operation while traveling autonomously includes: a base frame configured to support a wheel; a unit frame configured to support an operation unit that performs the operation; a link frame capable of changing a relative height of the unit frame with respect to the base frame, the link frame spanning between the base frame and the unit frame; and a setting unit configured to set an operating height of the operation unit with respect to a working surface of a working field in which the operation is performed, in accordance with operation information indicating an operation target to be subjected to the operation.