Agricultural Implement Unfolding Obstacle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folding agricultural implements face challenges in safely unfolding to a field position due to increased lateral spans, making it difficult for operators to detect obstacles during transport, which can lead to accidents.

Innovation Solution

A folding frame system with ground support wheels and sensors mounted on the center frame to detect obstacles, allowing for controlled unfolding and preventing potential collisions by generating warning or disabling signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the lateral span of the implement is increased to process more rows in the field, then the productivity is improved, but the ability to detect obstacles during transport deteriorates because the operator cannot always be in a position to detect obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of rows processed per passVSAvoidobstacle detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/visual obstacle detection system (operator visually inspecting the area) with an optical sensing system (sensors mounted on the implement that automatically detect obstacles in the path of frame members during unfolding). This allows the operator to remain in the cabin while obstacles are detected by the sensor system, resolving the contradiction between increased lateral span and obstacle detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If folding implements are used to reduce transport dimensions for compliance with governmental regulations, then the adaptability is improved, but the safety during unfolding deteriorates due to increased risk of collision with obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport dimension complianceVSAvoidunfolding safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting obstacles before the frame members actually contact them during unfolding. Sensors are positioned to detect obstacles in advance, and the system generates warning or disabling signals before the unfolding operation completes, preventing collisions rather than responding after they occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor the unfolding path and providing real-time information to the control system. When obstacles are detected, the system responds by generating warning signals to alert the operator or disabling signals to prevent the unfolding operation, creating a closed-loop safety system that monitors and responds to conditions during the unfolding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10433474B2Apparatus and method for safe unfold/fold of agricultural implements

Publication Date: 2019.10.08 BLUE LEAF I P INC

AI summary

An agricultural implement having ground engaging components and inboard and outboard frame members are safely unfolded by using a radar or laser sensor to detect the presence of an obstacle in the unfolded position. A warning signal or disabling the unfolding process occurs when an obstacle is detected.