Dynamic Unloading Control for Hitch-Based Vehicle Location

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural and construction vehicles face challenges in efficiently loading material into receiving vehicles due to environmental conditions that hinder accurate identification of the receiving vehicle's location, leading to inefficiencies and material spillage during unloading operations.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a calibration operation to determine the offset between receiving vehicle parameters and a reference point on the following vehicle, utilizing GNSS and dynamic modeling to accurately locate the receiving vehicle relative to the leading vehicle, eliminating the need for real-time image processing in dusty or obstructed environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If real-time image processing is used to locate the receiving vehicle, then the system can adapt to changing environmental conditions, but the measurement precision deteriorates in dusty or obstructed environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to environmental conditionsVSAvoidlocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs calibration operations beforehand to establish the relationship between the leading vehicle's reference point and the following vehicle's hitch point. This preliminary action creates a dynamic model that can be used in real-time without requiring image processing during actual unloading operations, thus maintaining precision in dusty environments while adapting to different vehicle configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces optical/image-based detection systems with a mathematical dynamic model based on kinematic relationships. Instead of using cameras and image processing algorithms that fail in dusty conditions, the system uses GPS coordinates, hitch point offsets, and trajectory calculations to locate the receiving vehicle, substituting mechanical/mathematical methods for optical methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the operator manually controls the unloading spout position, then the system complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases due to operator attention requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidharvesting efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic control of the unloading spout by using the dynamic model to calculate the receiving vehicle's location and automatically adjusting the spout position and trajectory. The system serves itself by using its own sensor data (GPS, trajectory information) to make control decisions without requiring external operator intervention, thus maintaining simplicity while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

This principle metaphorically applies to accelerating the control response. The dynamic model provides real-time calculations that enable rapid automatic adjustment of the unloading system, accelerating the control loop from manual operator reaction to automated instantaneous response, thereby increasing productivity without adding complex hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the receiving vehicle trajectory changes dynamically, then the system adaptability improves, but the measurement precision of receiving vehicle location deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrajectory adaptabilityVSAvoidreceiving vehicle location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs a dynamic model that continuously updates the receiving vehicle's expected position based on real-time trajectory data from GPS and motion sensors. Instead of assuming a fixed position, the model dynamically calculates the hitch point offset and receiving area location as the vehicle moves, adapting to speed changes, direction changes, and varying distances from the leading vehicle while maintaining precision through continuous mathematical updating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enhances the accuracy and efficiency of material unloading by controlling the trajectory and position of the spout and flap, reducing spillage and ensuring even filling without reliance on real-time image processing in challenging environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing GNSS and dynamic modeling to accurately locate the receiving vehicle relative to the leading vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System):

Data Source

PatentUS12490678B2Vehicle location with dynamic model and unloading control system

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A hitch point where a receiving vehicle is coupled to a following vehicle is located relative to a leading vehicle. The trajectory or route of the following vehicle is detected and a dynamic model estimates a location of a receiving area in the receiving vehicle relative to the leading vehicle based on the trajectory or route of the following vehicle and the location of the hitch point relative to the leading vehicle.