Autonomous Robotic Agricultural Machine with Adjustable Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-scale farming faces increasing costs due to labor shortages, equipment costs, and environmental factors such as emissions and compaction, necessitating more efficient and autonomous agricultural solutions.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous robotic machine with a modular design, capable of adjusting its width and height, equipped with a power-generating device and docking assembly for various agricultural implements, allowing it to perform multiple operations autonomously with remote control and sensor integration for navigation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large-scale farming machinery is used to increase productivity, then output per unit time improves, but labor and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The agricultural system is divided into multiple independent robotic machines, each capable of performing specific agricultural operations. Instead of one large complex machine, multiple smaller autonomous robots work in coordination, reducing individual device complexity while maintaining overall productivity through parallel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each robotic machine is designed with a docking assembly that can couple to multiple different types of agricultural implements (planting, tillage, harvesting, spraying). This multi-functionality allows a single robot platform to perform various agricultural tasks, reducing the need for multiple specialized large machines.
2Area of stationary object
If equipment size is increased to handle larger farming operations, then area coverage improves, but emissions and soil compaction worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The farming system uses multiple smaller robotic machines instead of one large piece of equipment. These smaller robots create less soil compaction and lower emissions individually, while collectively covering large areas through coordinated operation and deployment of multiple units.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple robotic machines can operate simultaneously and continuously across large areas, maintaining productivity without requiring oversized equipment. The system achieves comprehensive area coverage through parallel operations of multiple smaller units, reducing the environmental impact associated with any single large machine.
3Productivity
If autonomous operation is implemented to reduce labor costs, then operational efficiency improves, but device complexity and initial investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic machines are equipped with autonomous navigation and operation capabilities, including sensors, controllers, and automated implement coupling. They can perform agricultural operations independently without human intervention, reducing labor costs while the modular design keeps individual unit complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
A single autonomous robot platform can perform multiple agricultural operations by docking with different implements, reducing the total number of autonomous machines needed. This multi-functionality spreads the complexity across a versatile platform rather than requiring multiple specialized autonomous systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If modular design with adjustable frame is used to increase adaptability, then versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic machine features an adjustable frame with variable width and height capabilities, allowing adaptation to different crop types and field conditions. The frame can be dynamically reconfigured during operations, providing versatility while the adjustment mechanisms are integrated into the autonomous control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular docking assembly can couple to various agricultural implements through standardized interfaces. This universal coupling mechanism allows a single robot platform to perform multiple operations (planting, tillage, harvesting, spraying) by simply changing the attached implement, achieving versatility without requiring complex specialized mechanisms for each operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The robotic machine reduces labor costs and operational complexity, enhances efficiency by enabling 24/7 operation, and minimizes environmental impact through autonomous performance of tasks like planting, spraying, and tillage, while maintaining adaptability to different crop sizes and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a generator coupled to the power-generating device, where the generator receives at least a portion of the mechanical power and produces electrical power
Implementation Method 2
a position sensor is coupled to the frame and disposed in electrical communication with the controller, the position sensor detecting a width of the frame
Implementation Method 3
a global positioning sensor disposed in electrical communication with the controller; wherein, the global positioning sensor is configured to provide a location of the machine
Implementation Method 4
a speed sensor disposed in electrical communication with the controller; wherein, the speed sensor is configured to provide a speed of at least one of the plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms to the controller
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomously robotic machine for performing one or more agricultural operations. The machine includes a frame having a length and an adjustable width. A plurality of ground-engaging mechanisms are coupled to the frame for propelling the machine in a direction of travel. The machine includes a controller, a power-generating device, and a generator. The controller controls the machine, and the generator receives mechanical power from the power-generating device and produces electrical power. A docking assembly is coupled to the frame. The docking assembly includes a power unit and at least one coupler for coupling to any one of a plurality of agricultural implements.