Implement-Mounted Camera Positioning for Drawn Agricultural Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera mounting systems for agricultural equipment are not optimally designed for specific implements, leading to suboptimal visualization and control of working processes, as they are typically mounted on tractors rather than the implements themselves.
Innovation Solution
A camera mounting system for drawn agricultural implements that includes a main frame with ground-engaging units, a working unit for engaging crops, and a sensor supported from a draft tongue, allowing for adjustable positioning and orientation of the sensor's field of view via actuators and controllers, enabling optimal visualization regardless of the implement's orientation or position relative to the tractor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is mounted on the tractor, then the sensor is stable and easy to control, but the field of view cannot be optimized for specific implement working positions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is mounted on the implement rather than the tractor, allowing it to move dynamically with the implement and maintain optimal positioning relative to the working units. The sensor mount includes actuators that enable real-time adjustment of the sensor's position and orientation based on implement configuration and working conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the sensor itself, the sensor mount with actuators, the controller, and the communication interface with the implement controller. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is mounted on the implement, then the field of view can be optimized for working units, but the sensor positioning must adapt to implement orientation changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor mount includes actuators controlled by a controller that receives signals from the implement controller. This feedback loop allows the sensor position and orientation to be automatically adjusted in response to implement orientation changes, ensuring continuous optimization of the field of view for the working units.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting system is designed to be dynamically adjustable, with actuators that can reposition the sensor in real-time as the implement orientation changes during operation, maintaining optimal visualization conditions throughout the working cycle.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor field of view is fixed relative to the draft tongue, then the mounting is simple, but the field of view cannot be adjusted for different working conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is mounted on an adjustable support mechanism that includes actuators enabling dynamic repositioning of the sensor. This allows the field of view to be adjusted for different working conditions and implement configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall mounting structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor mounting system is designed to accommodate multiple working conditions and implement types through its adjustable mechanism. The same mounting system can optimize the field of view for different implement orientations and working unit positions, providing universal adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A drawn agricultural implement (10) includes a main frame and a plurality of ground engaging units supporting the main frame from a ground surface. A working unit is supported from the main frame and configured to engage crops (37) as the implement moves in a forward direction across the ground surface. A draft tongue (44) extends from the main frame for attachment to a tractor (26). A camera (46) having a field of view is mounted on at least one of the draft tongue, the main frame and the working unit. The camera is movable relative to the at least one of the draft tongue (44), the main frame and the working unit to reposition the field of view.