GNSS Antenna Position Lockout for Automatic Steering Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic steering control in working vehicles is compromised when the positioning device is inadvertently shifted to a second, lower position, leading to inaccurate navigation and loss of control functionality.

Innovation Solution

A support bracket system that pivotally supports the positioning device, allowing it to be rotated between a first position for use and a second, lower position, with a detection sensor and display to alert operators of the second position, preventing automatic steering control from engaging when the device is not in the correct position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the positioning device is made movable between first and second positions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because automatic steering control cannot be performed with high accuracy when the device is in the second position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives detection information from the detection sensor about the positioning device's position and uses this feedback to determine whether to permit automatic steering control. When the device is detected in the second position, the control unit prohibits automatic steering control, ensuring reliability while maintaining operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device is designed to be movable between first and second positions, allowing dynamic adjustment based on operational needs. The mounting stay enables rotational movement, and the system adapts its control mode (automatic or manual) based on the device's position, combining flexibility with safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If automatic steering control is permitted when the positioning device is in the second position, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because automatic steering control cannot be performed with high accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors the positioning device position through the detection sensor and uses this information to dynamically adjust the control mode. When imprecise positioning is detected (second position), the system switches to manual control mode, preventing inaccurate automatic steering while maintaining overall productivity through flexible operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of completely disabling automatic steering control regardless of position, the system applies partial action by permitting automatic control only when the positioning device is in the appropriate first position. This selective application of automatic control optimizes both precision and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If a detection sensor and control unit are added to prevent automatic steering control in the second position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensor serves multiple functions: it detects the positioning device position, provides feedback to the control unit, and enables the control unit to determine the appropriate control mode. The control unit itself performs multiple tasks including receiving detection information, determining device position, and controlling the steering actuator, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4026413B1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4026413B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4026413B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4026413B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Automatic steering control is prevented from being performed when a positioning device (30) is in the second position (X2). A working vehicle (1) includes the positioning device (30) to detect a position of a vehicle body (5) based on a signal transmitted from a positioning satellite. The positioning device (30) is supported so as to allow the positioning device to be shifted between a first position (X1) and a second position (X2) lower than the first position (X1). A mounting stay (47) is disposed below the positioning device (30) when the positioning device (30) is in the first position (X1), and, when the positioning device (30) is rotated together with the mounting stay (47) from the state in which the positioning device (30) is in the first position (X1), the positioning device (30) is moved to the second position (X2) and the mounting stay (47) is positioned above the positioning device (30) in the second position (X2) and covers over the positioning device (30) so as to restrain the automatic steering control. (Fig. 9)