Autonomous Foundation Positioning Vehicle with Tilt Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for positioning foundation devices in uneven terrain are laborious, prone to errors, and exceed acceptable tolerances due to the complexity of measuring and aligning positions on irregular terrain patterns, especially when installing large systems like photovoltaic systems.
Innovation Solution
A program-controlled, self-propelled vehicle equipped with a working device that automatically measures, marks, pre-drills, and sets foundation devices into the ground, utilizing tilt sensors and satellite-assisted positioning for precise alignment and correction of misalignments, allowing for accurate and efficient placement without operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional measuring methods with satellite-controlled plumb rod are used, then positioning can be performed, but measurement precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate due to multiple intermediate steps and error accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measuring device, marking device, pre-punching device, and foundation setting device into a single integrated vehicle-mounted system. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate operations and intermediate steps, thereby reducing error accumulation and improving positioning accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle is equipped with automatic positioning systems including satellite navigation receivers and inertial measurement units that enable self-positioning and self-correction. The system automatically calculates its position, compares it with desired positions, and performs real-time corrections without requiring external surveying equipment or manual intervention, thus improving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If individual calculation and measurement of every foundation position is performed, then positioning accuracy can be maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to immense time and labor requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs measuring, marking, pre-punching, and foundation setting in continuous sequential operations without interruption. The automatic positioning system continuously calculates positions based on terrain profile data, and the vehicle continuously moves from one foundation position to the next, eliminating idle time and maintaining high productivity while ensuring accuracy through real-time positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation of all foundation positions based on the recorded terrain profile before actual installation begins. This preliminary action allows the vehicle to proceed with automatic execution of pre-calculated positions, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining accuracy through the initial comprehensive planning phase.
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning and marking operations are performed, then flexibility can be maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to operator errors and inconsistent marking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning and marking operations with automated electronic positioning systems and mechanical marking devices mounted on the vehicle. The satellite navigation receiver and inertial measurement unit provide electronic positioning data, which automatically controls the marking device to place markers at precise locations, eliminating operator errors while maintaining operational flexibility through programmable control.
4Productivity
If foundation devices are set without pre-punching, then productivity increases, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to positioning errors during direct installation
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle performs pre-punching operations at each foundation position before installing the actual foundation devices. This preliminary action creates precise reference holes that guide the exact placement of foundations, ensuring high positioning precision. The same automated positioning system that guides the pre-punching device also guides the foundation installation, maintaining consistency and accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle operated in a self-propelled program-controlled manner, in particular without a driver, for automatically measuring, marking and/or pre-drilling predetermined desired positions for foundation devices to be introduced into the ground, possibly also for introducing the foundation devices themselves. The vehicle includes a working device, which can be pivoted about pivoting axes and is equipped with a device for automatically detecting and correcting misalignments of the axis thereof and which brings the vehicle to the desired positions with a locating device, which establishes the actual position thereof, and a data processing system, which is loaded with the desired positions in such a way that it can perform the prescribed working steps in a program-controlled manner.