Automated Dam Placement Controller for Irregular Agricultural Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual control of rotobuck devices for creating dams in agricultural fields is challenging due to the need for precise positioning and frequent rebuilding, especially when field shapes are irregular and the angle between rows and head ditches varies, leading to inefficient and time-consuming operations.
Innovation Solution
A controller system that adjusts the spacing and positioning of agricultural implements, such as rotobucks, based on stored information about row orientation, distance between rows, and vehicle direction, using GPS or DGPS signals to ensure accurate dam placement and adapt to non-perpendicular paths, allowing for automated and precise performance of agricultural operations across various field shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control of rotobuck device is used, then the operator can perform agricultural operations, but the positioning precision is poor and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated GPS-based control system. The system uses GPS receivers to obtain position information, a processor to calculate control signals based on stored row orientation data, and automated actuators to control the rotobuck device, eliminating manual positioning errors and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the agricultural vehicle to automatically control its own positioning and implement operation without external guidance. The processor continuously receives GPS position data, compares it with stored row orientation information, and autonomously adjusts the rotobuck device positioning and operation parameters
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed spacing of dams is used, then the implementation is simple, but the adaptability to varying field shapes and angles is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spacing between dams by continuously adjusting the distance based on GPS position data and stored row orientation information. The system calculates variable spacing intervals that adapt to changing field geometries and row angles, replacing fixed spacing with dynamically adjusted intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spacing parameter between dams based on real-time position information and field characteristics. The processor modifies the distance between consecutive dam placements according to the varying angles between rows and head ditches, optimizing dam placement for different field shapes
3Manufacturing precision
If dams are rebuilt frequently, then the correct positioning is achieved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring GPS position data, comparing actual vehicle position with desired positioning based on row orientation, and automatically adjusting the rotobuck device operation. This closed-loop control ensures precise dam placement without requiring manual rebuilding
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning calculations using stored row orientation data before actual dam placement. The processor pre-calculates the optimal spacing and positioning of dams based on anticipated field geometry, enabling accurate first-time placement without need for reconstruction
Data Source
AI summary
A method, a controller and a vehicle for performing agricultural operations on a field with parallel arranged rows having ends. The operations are performed at positions related to the positions of the rows under control of the controller, based upon stored information about the orientation of the rows, stored information about a distance between adjacent rows, a distance signal related to a distance traveled by the vehicle and a direction signal related to the heading of the vehicle. The invention is particularly suited for providing dams to prevent water from a head ditch to enter into pre-selected, dry furrows on a field with an irrigation arrangement with raised rows and lower furrows between the rows, or dams matching up with adjacent raised rows so that water runs down each furrow.