Implement Height Control Using Forward View Polygon
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles face challenges in maintaining uniform boom heights over uneven terrain, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies due to manual operator errors and limitations of real-time sensors in responding to topographical changes.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based height control system that generates a virtual field map using topographical data from various sources, sets a forward view polygon, and provides height change commands to adjust implement sections dynamically, anticipating terrain changes and obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If real-time sensors are used to control boom height, then responsiveness to terrain changes is improved, but collision prevention is insufficient due to ground speed and obstacle characteristics limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by using forward view polygons to anticipate terrain changes and obstacles before the implement reaches them. The height control system proactively adjusts boom section heights based on predicted terrain conditions rather than merely reacting to sensor data after contact is detected, thereby preventing collisions before they occur.
2Ease of operation
If manual control is used to adjust boom height, then operational simplicity is maintained, but human factor errors reduce control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The height control system performs self-service by automatically adjusting boom section heights based on forward view polygon data without requiring manual operator intervention. The system independently processes terrain prediction information and executes height adjustments, eliminating human factor errors while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
3Productivity
If wide-span booms are used to decrease field passes, then productivity is improved, but moment arm effects exacerbate terrain difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple independently controllable sections, each with its own height control. This segmentation allows each section to be adjusted individually based on local terrain conditions predicted by forward view polygons, managing the complexity of wide-span boom control on uneven terrain while maintaining the productivity benefits of wide coverage.
4Measurement precision
If sensor-based height control is used, then real-time terrain detection is improved, but response time is insufficient for high ground speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary terrain analysis using forward view polygons that predict terrain conditions ahead of the implement. This allows the control system to prepare height adjustments in advance based on anticipated terrain changes, providing sufficient response time even at high ground speeds while maintaining accurate terrain detection through sensor validation.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, a system for providing a height change command for an implement, comprises a height control module configured to interact with a computer, and configured to receive topographical data, provide a virtual field map based on said topographical data, provide a forward view polygon for an implement based on said virtual field map, and provide a height change command for said implement based on said forward view polygon and an implement control unit configured to receive said height change command and control movement of said implement.