Harvesting Drone Control Using Collection Vehicle Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flying objects used for agricultural harvesting may perform work at unintended locations, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to high-speed collisions with collection vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A work system comprising a flying object with a work section, a collection vehicle, and control units to manage work based on collection vehicle position, including range setting and speed reduction mechanisms to ensure precise and controlled delivery of work-related items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the flying object performs harvesting work automatically based on captured images, then the labor required for harvesting work is reduced, but work may be performed at unintended locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time position information from both the flying object and collection vehicle to create feedback loops. The work control unit continuously monitors the relative position and adjusts the work execution accordingly, ensuring the flying object operates only within the intended work range around the collection vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The work control unit acts as an intermediary between the automated harvesting system and the collection vehicle position data. It processes position information from both vehicles and mediates the work execution, enabling the automated system to adapt to the collection vehicle's location and prevent unintended work at incorrect positions.
2Productivity
If the flying object delivers work-related items to the collection vehicle, then work efficiency is improved, but collision damage may occur due to high-speed falling
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for potential collision damage beforehand by using the buffer section in the collection vehicle. This cushioning mechanism is预先 installed to absorb impact energy when work-related items fall from the flying object, preventing damage to both the items and the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful high-speed falling of work-related items into a beneficial delivery mechanism. By controlling the release timing and using the buffer section to manage impact, the system transforms what could be damaging collisions into efficient item transfer, maintaining productivity while preventing damage.
3Ease of operation
If the flying object operates independently without position control, then operational simplicity is maintained, but work may be performed at incorrect positions
Solution Approach 1:
The flying object performs self-positioning by autonomously acquiring its own position information and comparing it with the collection vehicle's position. The work control unit enables the system to self-regulate its operation based on real-time position data, maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise position control without complex external intervention.
Data Source
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AI summary
A work system (A) includes: a flying object (G) having a body (1) capable of flight, the body (1) having a work section (2) that performs work; a collection vehicle (E) that collects a work-related item (P) related to body work that is work performed by the body (1); a collection vehicle position acquisition unit that acquires collection vehicle position information indicating a position of the collection vehicle (E); and a work control unit that controls the body work based on the collection vehicle position information.