Guidance Swath Acquisition Path Control for Agricultural Implements
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual process of acquiring a guidance swath for agricultural vehicles and implements is inefficient, leading to increased fuel consumption and delayed agricultural operations.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a memory and processor determines a swath acquisition path for the agricultural vehicle based on a target implement path, considering the maximum implement curvature and speed, to align the implement with the guidance swath, reducing manual input and optimizing the path for efficient alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual swath acquisition is used, then the operator can directly control the vehicle, but the process is inefficient and increases fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the agricultural vehicle to automatically acquire the guidance swath without continuous operator input. The controller autonomously processes GPS data, calculates the acquisition path considering implement dynamics, and controls the vehicle and implement to align with the guidance swath, making the system self-sufficient in the swath acquisition process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses GPS coordinates, implement parameters, and calculated acquisition paths to electronically control the vehicle steering and implement positioning, substituting the operator's manual mechanical operations with automated computational control
2Productivity
If manual swath acquisition is used, then the operator can steer the vehicle, but operational delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of the swath acquisition path before execution. The controller pre-computes the optimal path considering implement curvature limits, speed constraints, and target alignment requirements, allowing the vehicle to follow the predetermined efficient path without real-time manual decision-making delays
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the vehicle position, implement position, and alignment status with the guidance swath. The controller uses this feedback to adjust steering and implement control in real-time, ensuring accurate and rapid acquisition of the guidance swath while maintaining operational speed
3Productivity
If automatic control is implemented, then efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs multiple functions within a single integrated system: it processes GPS position data, calculates implement dynamics, determines the acquisition path, controls vehicle steering, and monitors implement alignment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing system complexity while maintaining high automation capability
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an agricultural vehicle includes receiving, via a processor, a first signal from a user interface indicative of a value of at least one parameter. The method also includes determining, via the processor, a path of the agricultural vehicle toward a guidance swath based at least in part on the at least one parameter. In addition, the method includes outputting, via the processor, a second signal to a display of the user interface indicative of instructions to present a graphical representation of the path of the agricultural vehicle. Furthermore, the method includes controlling the agricultural vehicle, via the processor, based at least in part on the at least one parameter upon receiving at least a third signal from the user interface indicative of acceptance of the value of the at least one parameter.