Drainage Channel Path Planning With Terrain Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining a digging plan for drainage channels are inefficient in minimizing time and cost, as they do not effectively consider terrain elevation, slope, and material constraints during the construction process.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a location-determining receiver, data processor, and user interface that collects terrain data and defines a validated path for a drainage channel, adhering to constraints such as minimum and maximum cut parameters and slope parameters, to optimize the digging process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional methods are used to determine a digging plan for drainage channels, then the planning process is simple, but the construction time and cost are not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the drainage channel planning into discrete constraint parameters (minimum cut, maximum cut, minimum slope, maximum slope) that can be independently evaluated and enforced, allowing systematic optimization of construction efficiency while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation of the planned path against all constraint parameters before construction begins, identifying and resolving compliance issues in advance to minimize construction time and cost while avoiding rework during actual digging operations
2Loss of substance
If the planned path does not comply with terrain constraints, then the planning process is faster, but material removal and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously evaluating the planned path against terrain constraints and providing validation results that guide path modifications, ensuring minimal material removal while maintaining reasonable planning time through iterative optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts path parameters (elevation, slope, position) to comply with minimum and maximum cut/slope constraints, optimizing the balance between material removal and planning time by making targeted parameter modifications rather than complete redesigns
3Ease of manufacture
If terrain constraints are strictly enforced, then construction cost is minimized, but the complexity of path validation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The validation process is segmented into distinct checks for minimum cut, maximum cut, minimum slope, and maximum slope constraints, allowing each constraint to be evaluated independently and systematically, reducing overall validation complexity while ensuring strict enforcement of all terrain requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system modifies path parameters to satisfy constraint requirements, using automated adjustments to elevation and position that enforce terrain constraints while keeping the validation process manageable through systematic parameter optimization rather than complex geometric analysis
Data Source
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AI summary
A location-determining receiver (12) collects terrain data within a work area. The terrain data comprises elevation data and corresponding location data. A path planning module (60) or data processor (58) defines a planned path for a drainage channel. The planned path comprises a starting point (30) with first coordinates and a termination point (32) with second coordinates within the work area. The drainage channel extends from the starting point (30) to the termination point (32) such that the starting point (30) has a higher elevation than the termination point (32). A user interface (26) establishes constraint data comprising a minimum cut parameter, a maximum cut parameter, a minimum slope parameter and a maximum slope parameter. A data processor (58) determines a validated path for the planned path or a digging plan based on compliance with the constraint data.