Combine Harvester Mode Switching for In-Motion Trajectory Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work vehicles, such as combine harvesters, cannot perform turning operations during autonomous travel, necessitating a switch to manual mode for trajectory correction, which decreases operability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle system that allows seamless switching between manual and autonomous travel modes, enabling turning operations during autonomous travel without stopping the vehicle by using a steering wheel to transition from autonomous to manual mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the work vehicle performs autonomous travel based on a preset traveling route without accepting turning operation instructions, then autonomous travel reliability is improved, but operability deteriorates because trajectory correction cannot be performed during autonomous travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between autonomous travel mode and manual travel mode based on operator input. When the turning operation actuator is operated during autonomous travel, the system dynamically transitions to manual travel mode, allowing trajectory correction while maintaining autonomous travel functionality when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that detects turning operation actuator input during autonomous travel and mediates the transition between autonomous and manual travel modes. This intermediary function allows the operator to request manual intervention without completely abandoning autonomous travel capabilities
2Ease of operation
If the work vehicle switches to manual travel mode to perform trajectory correction, then operability is improved, but productivity deteriorates because the autonomous travel must be suspended and stopped
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between autonomous and manual travel modes based on operator input rather than requiring a complete stop. This dynamic mode transition allows trajectory correction while minimizing interruption to the work flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous useful action by allowing the vehicle to transition from autonomous to manual travel mode without stopping. The vehicle maintains continuous movement and work performance while enabling operator intervention for trajectory correction when needed
3Reliability
If the turning operation actuator function is deactivated during autonomous travel, then autonomous travel reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because the vehicle cannot respond to operator turning requests
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the state of the turning operation actuator based on the current travel mode. During autonomous travel, the actuator is initially deactivated for reliability, but can be activated upon operator input to provide adaptability when manual intervention is requested
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the turning operation actuator based on the travel mode. The actuator's activation state is changed from deactivated during autonomous travel to activated during manual travel, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A combine harvester is a work vehicle capable of switching between a manual travel mode to travel based on operation of an operation tool including a steering wheel which is a turning operation tool and an autonomous traveling mode to travel based on a predetermined travel route, which includes a controller to function as an autonomous travel controller to control travel of the combine harvester through the autonomous travel mode based on the travel route. The combine harvester is switched from the autonomous travel mode to the manual travel mode without stopping the vehicle when the steering wheel is operated during the autonomous travel mode.