Auto-Positioning Camera Mount for Drawn Implements on Uneven Terrain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mounting systems for agricultural equipment are not optimally designed for specific implements, leading to suboptimal visualization and control of working processes, particularly due to fixed orientations that do not adapt to varying terrain and implement types.
Innovation Solution
A camera mounting system that includes a sensor supported from a draft tongue, main frame, and working unit, allowing adjustable orientation and positioning through pivotable and translational mechanisms, enabling optimal field of view adjustment relative to the implement's operation, such as a crank-rocker linkage or gear mechanism, providing up to three degrees of freedom for omni-directional adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted on the tractor, then the sensor system is simple to implement, but the field of view cannot be optimally aligned with the working implement
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system transitions from a fixed static mount to a dynamic adjustable mount that allows rotation and positioning. The camera can be rotated about a vertical axis and positioned at different locations along the draft tongue to optimize the field of view for different implement orientations and working conditions.
2Device complexity
If the camera is fixed in orientation, then the mounting mechanism is simple, but the system cannot adapt to varying terrain and implement types
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system incorporates rotational and positional adjustability, allowing the camera to dynamically change its orientation and position. This enables adaptation to different terrain conditions, implement types, and working configurations while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera mounting system is designed to be universally applicable to different implement types and working conditions. The adjustable mechanism allows a single camera system to serve multiple functions and adapt to various operational requirements without requiring separate fixed mounting systems for each scenario.
3Device complexity
If the camera uses fixed mounting, then the system structure is simple, but visualization and control of working processes are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounting system allows dynamic adjustment of the camera's position and orientation to optimize the field of view for different working processes. This ensures high-quality visualization and control information is captured while maintaining a simple overall system structure through mechanical adjustability rather than complex electronic or software solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
A drawn agricultural implement includes a main frame and a plurality of ground engaging units supporting the main frame from a ground surface. A working unit is supported from the main frame and configured to engage crops as the implement moves in a forward direction across the ground surface. A draft tongue extends from the main frame for attachment to a tractor. A camera having a field of view is mounted on at least one of the draft tongue, the main frame and the working unit. The camera is movable relative to the at least one of the draft tongue, the main frame and the working unit to reposition the field of view.