Agricultural Machine Auxiliary Control for Obstacle-Aware Mode Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural machines face challenges in efficiently transitioning between different operational modes, such as transport and field modes, due to the need for precise control of auxiliary components like foldable parts and sensors that detect obstacles, leading to potential hazards and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A status monitoring system with sensors and actuators automatically adjusts auxiliary components based on operational mode changes, using feedback loops to ensure safe and efficient transitions by detecting obstacles and adjusting components like grain tank covers, ladders, and air scoops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the auxiliary device is automatically adjusted to the predetermined state corresponding to the operational mode, then the transition between operational modes is streamlined and efficiency is improved, but the risk of interference with obstacles increases if the adjustment is made without considering the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sensing of the environment before executing the adjustment of the auxiliary device. The onboard sensor detects obstacles in advance, and the controller determines whether to proceed with or delay the adjustment based on the detected conditions, preventing interference before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from onboard sensors to continuously monitor the environment during operational mode transitions. The sensor provides real-time information about obstacles, and the controller adjusts the auxiliary device based on this feedback, allowing dynamic adaptation to prevent interference while maintaining efficient transitions
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the adjustment of the auxiliary device is delayed to avoid obstacles, then interference with obstacles is minimized, but the transition between operational modes is prolonged and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of obstacles and assesses whether they will actually interfere with the planned adjustment. If no interference is predicted, the adjustment proceeds without delay, maintaining efficiency. If interference is predicted, the adjustment is delayed appropriately
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the timing of auxiliary device adjustments based on real-time environmental conditions. The controller can proceed with immediate adjustment when safe, or delay the adjustment when obstacles are detected, optimizing the balance between transition speed and obstacle avoidance
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and feedback mechanisms are implemented to detect obstacles and environmental conditions, then the accuracy of obstacle detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The onboard sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting obstacles, determining environmental conditions, and providing feedback for operational mode transitions. This multi-functionality improves detection accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the sensing, processing, and control functions into an integrated architecture where the onboard sensor communicates with the controller that manages auxiliary device adjustments. This merging of functions achieves high measurement precision while minimizing the complexity that would result from separate independent systems
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for controlling a state of an auxiliary device(s) of an agricultural machine. A monitoring system can be utilized to determine an operational mode of the agricultural machine, and a configuration monitoring system can be utilized to determine a current state of the auxiliary device(s). The current state of the auxiliary device(s) can be evaluated with respect to a predetermined state of the auxiliary device associated with the operational mode to determine whether the state of the auxiliary device(s) is to be adjusted. In certain instances, one or more feedback signals can indicate that the change in the state of the auxiliary device, and associated change in the profile of the agricultural machine, is to be delayed in response to detection of an obstacle. If the delay satisfies a predetermined threshold number, an operator alert signal can be generated for transmission via an output device.