Autonomous Barn Cleaning Vehicle With Load-Adaptive Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic barn cleaning systems operate on predefined schedules regardless of the actual need, leading to inefficient energy usage and increased wear on components, as they clean regardless of the amount of manure present.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous agricultural vehicle equipped with a load sensor and a control arrangement that monitors and adjusts its cleaning schedule based on historical data of manure accumulation patterns, optimizing cleaning routes and frequency to match the actual need, thereby reducing unnecessary cleaning and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the autonomous agricultural vehicle operates on a predefined cleaning schedule, then the cleaning routine is executed regularly, but energy is wasted when cleaning is not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses load sensors to monitor the actual amount of manure on the floor in real-time and feeds this information back to the control circuit, which then adjusts the cleaning schedule dynamically. This feedback mechanism allows the vehicle to respond to actual cleaning needs rather than following a rigid predefined schedule, thereby reducing energy waste when cleaning is not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning schedule transitions from a static predefined timetable to a dynamic adaptive plan that continuously adjusts based on monitored load quantities. The control circuit modifies cleaning frequency and timing in response to varying manure accumulation patterns, making the system flexible and responsive to actual conditions rather than operating on fixed intervals.
2Reliability
If the autonomous agricultural vehicle cleans frequently according to a predefined schedule, then cleaning coverage is ensured, but wear on components increases due to unnecessary cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
Load sensors continuously monitor manure accumulation levels and provide feedback to the control circuit, which adjusts cleaning operations accordingly. This feedback-driven approach ensures cleaning occurs only when necessary, reducing unnecessary component wear while maintaining adequate cleaning coverage based on actual conditions rather than fixed schedules.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (cleaning frequency, timing, and intensity) based on monitored load quantities. When load levels are low, cleaning is deferred or reduced; when loads exceed thresholds, cleaning is triggered immediately. This parameter adaptation reduces unnecessary mechanical stress on cleaning components while ensuring coverage when needed.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the autonomous agricultural vehicle optimizes distance travelled per battery charge, then energy efficiency is improved, but cleaning effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit receives feedback from load sensors about actual manure accumulation levels and uses this information to optimize cleaning routes and timing. This allows the vehicle to travel only to areas that require cleaning, reducing unnecessary distance travelled while ensuring that cleaning effectiveness is maintained by targeting areas with actual cleaning needs rather than following fixed routes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different cleaning strategies to different areas of the livestock area based on local manure accumulation patterns. Areas with high load quantities receive more frequent attention, while areas with low loads are cleaned less frequently or skipped entirely. This localized approach optimizes energy usage by focusing cleaning efforts where they are actually needed rather than uniformly cleaning all areas.
4Reliability
If the autonomous agricultural vehicle performs cleaning regardless of manure amount, then cleaning routine is maintained, but efficiency decreases due to unnecessary operations
Solution Approach 1:
Load sensors provide continuous feedback about actual manure quantities, enabling the control circuit to make informed decisions about when cleaning is necessary. This feedback mechanism maintains cleaning routine reliability by ensuring cleaning occurs according to actual needs while eliminating inefficient unnecessary operations, thereby improving overall cleaning productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial cleaning actions only when and where necessary based on monitored load levels, rather than performing full cleaning routines uniformly. When load quantities are below thresholds, cleaning is deferred or performed selectively in affected areas only, reducing unnecessary operations while maintaining adequate cleaning standards where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous agricultural vehicle that operates in accordance with a cleaning plan, a method for operating the vehicle, and a computer program related to operating the vehicle, wherein while the vehicle is operated, a load quantity representing an amount of material moved by the cleaning device is monitored at a plurality of individual times, and the cleaning plan of the autonomous agricultural vehicle is adjusted based on a variation in the monitored load quantity among the individual times.