Agricultural Implement Travel Path Optimization Around Field Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural production is inefficient due to physical obstacles, which force farmers to redirect implements and result in wasted time and energy, as well as reduced land usage, making it challenging to determine optimal travel paths and assess production impact.
Innovation Solution
A method using computer software to simulate and determine the shortest travel paths for agricultural implements around obstacles, calculating pre- and post-disturbance areas, and comparing distances to optimize production and assess the financial impact of obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If farmers redirect implements around obstacles, then obstacles are avoided, but travel distance increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of field obstacles and pre-calculates optimized travel paths before agricultural operations begin. By determining the optimal route in advance considering all obstacle locations and implement dimensions, the system enables farmers to follow predetermined efficient paths, avoiding the need for real-time route adjustments that waste time and energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computer-based optimization system as an intermediary between the farmer and the field obstacles. This intermediary analyzes the complex spatial relationships between obstacles, field boundaries, and implement dimensions, then provides optimized travel path recommendations that the farmer can follow, thereby resolving the contradiction between obstacle avoidance and efficient travel.
2Use of energy by moving object
If implements travel in straight uninterrupted rows, then energy and time are minimized, but obstacles block the path and force redirection
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the field into multiple zones based on obstacle locations and calculates optimal travel paths for each zone. By breaking down the continuous field into manageable segments and determining the best route through each segment, the system maintains straight-line travel within zones while efficiently navigating around obstacles between zones, thereby preserving energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic path optimization that adapts to specific field conditions, obstacle configurations, and implement characteristics. Rather than using fixed rigid paths, the system dynamically calculates optimal routes that minimize energy consumption while accommodating the actual spatial arrangement of obstacles, allowing for flexible yet efficient travel patterns.
3Device complexity
If manual methods are used to determine travel paths, then simplicity is maintained, but optimization accuracy is insufficient and production loss cannot be quantified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual trial-and-error path determination with a computer-based optimization system that uses algorithms to automatically calculate optimal travel paths. This substitution of mechanical/manual methods with computational methods provides precise quantification of production impact, travel distance savings, and energy reduction, while the user interface maintains simplicity for farmers to input field data and receive recommendations.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for identifying and addressing inefficiencies in agricultural production activities caused by physical obstacles in the target field. A method and system is disclosed for determining an optimized travel path for an agricultural implement, specifically in the presence of an obstacle or obstruction such as an access road, oil well or public utility infrastructure. The method may further comprise means for determining the impact of such obstacle or obstruction on production from the agricultural land, as well as means for determining an optimized implement type and configuration. One or more travel path plans may be generated for selection of one by an agricultural producer. The method may also comprise means for determining an optimized location or position within a plot of land for an obstacle or obstruction that has not yet been constructed, as a way to reduce or alleviate the negative impact of such obstacle or obstruction on production from the plot of land.