Implement Guidance Using Single-GNSS Vehicle Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passive implement guidance systems for agricultural implements require two Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) units, which are costly and complicated to outfit, increasing operational complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A single GNSS unit is used in conjunction with vehicle-mounted sensors to determine the relative position of the towing vehicle to the implement, allowing for passive implement guidance by adjusting vehicle operating parameters to maintain the implement's desired course without active control of the implement's movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two GNSS units are used for implement guidance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the work vehicle as an intermediary carrier to mount the GNSS unit. Instead of equipping both the implement and vehicle with separate GNSS units, the system mounts the GNSS unit on the work vehicle and uses the known relative position between the vehicle and implement to determine implement position, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The work vehicle serves multiple functions: it performs the primary work operation and simultaneously acts as the platform for GNSS positioning. The vehicle's existing position sensing systems are utilized for guidance purposes, eliminating the need for dedicated separate positioning systems on the implement.
2Measurement precision
If two GNSS units are used for implement guidance, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the positioning function into the work vehicle's existing systems. By combining the GNSS unit with the vehicle's operational systems and using the known relative geometry between the vehicle and implement, the system achieves accurate implement positioning without requiring a second separate GNSS unit, thereby reducing cost.
3Productivity
If active control of implement movement is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the work vehicle's own movement and the known relative position relationship to automatically determine implement position and generate guidance commands. The vehicle's existing steering and propulsion systems are utilized, and the controller automatically adjusts vehicle operation to maintain implement position on the desired trajectory without requiring complex active implement control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system may receive, by a controller onboard a work vehicle that is positionally coupled to the implement, a location data associated with a ground position of the implement; determine, the ground position of the implement based at least on the location data associated with the ground position of the implement; determine a ground position of the work vehicle relative to the implement based at least on the received location data associated with the ground position of the implement; determine a deviation of the ground position of the implement from a desired course based on the ground position of the implement exceeding a threshold; responsive to determining that the deviation of the ground position of the implement from the desired course exceeds the threshold, adjusting one or more operating parameters of the work vehicle to adjust the ground position of the work vehicle relative to the implement.