Agricultural Implement Re-Hitching via Recorded Set-Down Trajectory

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assisting the coupling procedure at agricultural implement interfaces are not effectively adapted for agricultural sector conditions, such as dust and dirt, which can impair the visibility of light patterns used for alignment.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a control unit to record and store the set-down location and driving trajectory of an agricultural implement, allowing for automated re-hitching by guiding the tractor back along the recorded route, while being insensitive to adverse environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a light pattern system is used to assist coupling alignment, then the visibility of alignment points is improved, but the visibility is impaired by dust or dirt conditions common in agricultural sectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of alignment pointsVSAvoiddust and dirt interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces optical alignment systems (light patterns and mirrors) with a camera-based image capture system and electronic image processing system. The camera captures images of the implement and vehicle interface, and a control unit processes these images to generate alignment assistance information, eliminating the reliance on light reflection that is susceptible to dust and dirt interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual alignment methods are used for coupling, then the operator can control the vehicle, but the time and effort required are significant and the operator's field of view is obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator control capabilityVSAvoidtime for alignment procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a camera to capture images of the implement and vehicle interface, then processes these images through a control unit to generate alignment assistance information that is displayed to the operator. This feedback loop provides real-time guidance on the relative positions of the drawbar and implement tongue, enabling the operator to make precise adjustments without needing to directly view the coupling interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera and image processing unit that mediates between the physical coupling interface and the operator. The camera captures visual information from the coupling area, and the control unit processes this information to provide alignment guidance, acting as an intermediary that overcomes the operator's obstructed field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the operator needs to see both the implement tongue and vehicle drawbar for alignment, then accurate coupling is possible, but the operator's field of view is obstructed on large agricultural vehicles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidobstructed field of view

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a camera and image processing unit that mediates between the physical coupling interface and the operator. The camera captures visual information from the coupling area, and the control unit processes this information to provide alignment guidance, acting as an intermediary that overcomes the operator's obstructed field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces optical alignment systems (light patterns and mirrors) with a camera-based image capture system and electronic image processing system. The camera captures images of the implement and vehicle interface, and a control unit processes these images to generate alignment assistance information, eliminating the reliance on light reflection that is susceptible to dust and dirt interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12219892B2Method for assisting a coupling procedure to be performed at an agricultural implement interface

Publication Date: 2025.02.11 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A method for assisting a coupling procedure at an agricultural implement interface includes determining via a control unit whether a set-down procedure associated with unhitching the implement is being executed, determining cartographically via the control unit in communication with a position detection unit a set-down location of the implement and a driving trajectory travelled by the agricultural tractor from the set-down location along a defined route, storing via the control unit the set-down location and the driving trajectory as an associated dataset in a memory unit together with type information about the implement provided by an information unit, retrieving via the control unit the associated dataset to re-hitch the implement, and guiding via the control unit the agricultural tractor back from a defined start position along the driving trajectory to the set-down location by issuing associated control commands.