Agricultural Implement Controller Anticipating Load Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural implements face challenges in maintaining precision and efficiency while towing across fields due to the need for real-time adjustments in operational parameters, such as down force or pressure, which existing systems fail to address effectively in highly automated settings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a vehicle controller, an implement controller, and sensors that communicate using field maps to anticipate changes in loading of ground-engaging tools, allowing for adjustments in the work vehicle's operational parameters, such as engine speed and gear, to maintain efficiency and prevent undesirable performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time adjustments in operational parameters are made to maintain precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by anticipating future loading changes based on the field map and current location before they actually occur. The controller predicts upcoming variations in soil conditions and preemptively adjusts operational parameters, eliminating the need for complex real-time feedback loops and reactive control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The field map serves as an intermediary between the physical field conditions and the control system. Instead of directly sensing and reacting to every change in soil conditions, the system uses the pre-stored field map as a mediator to predict and plan parameter adjustments, simplifying the control architecture while maintaining precision.
2Productivity
If real-time adjustments in operational parameters are made to maintain precision, then productivity is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates time loss by performing adjustments in advance based on predicted future conditions. By anticipating loading changes before they occur and pre-adjusting parameters, the system maintains continuous optimal operation without interruption for reactive adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on the predicted trajectory through the field map. Rather than static or reactive control, the system continuously adapts parameters proactively as the implement moves through different soil conditions, maintaining optimal productivity without time loss.
3Ease of operation
If automation of tool position and control is increased, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service automation by using the field map and current location to automatically determine and execute appropriate parameter adjustments without operator intervention. The controller autonomously predicts loading changes and implements control actions, simplifying operation while avoiding complex operator interfaces or manual control systems.
4Reliability
If operational parameters are adjusted to accommodate loading changes, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system improves reliability by taking preliminary control actions based on predicted loading changes. By anticipating future conditions from the field map and adjusting parameters before actual loading changes occur, the system maintains stable performance without requiring complex real-time monitoring and reactive control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling work vehicles used for towing agricultural implements across a field includes an implement controller supported on and configured to control an operation of an agricultural implement, and at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the implement controller. The sensor(s) is configured to provide an indication of a location of the agricultural implement within the field. The implement controller is configured to: access a field map; anticipate a change in loading of one or more of the ground-engaging tools of the implement based on the location of the implement relative to the field map; and transmit a request instructing a vehicle controller of a work vehicle towing the agricultural implement to initiate a control action associated with adjusting at least one vehicle-related operational parameter to accommodate the anticipated change.