Integrated GNSS Steering Control to Reduce Guidance Hardware Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cost of precision farming guidance systems is increased by the number of discrete chassis and circuit boards, which elevate complexity and manufacturing processes due to the need for separate electronics for processing, sensors, and GPS/GNSS functions.
Innovation Solution
A single processor hardware device integrates sensors, network interfaces, and GNSS front-end radio frequency conditioning, leveraging spare processing power to host steering algorithms and other functions, reducing the need for multiple chassis and circuit boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete chassis and circuit boards are used for processing, sensors, and GPS/GNSS functions, then functional separation and modularity are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple discrete functional components (processing unit, sensors, GPS/GNSS receiver, steering actuator) into a single integrated guidance system chassis. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate circuit boards and reduces the number of connectors and interfaces, directly reducing device complexity while maintaining all required functions within one unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated guidance system is designed as a universal platform that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it processes sensor data, receives GPS/GNSS signals, computes guidance algorithms, and controls steering actuators. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete chassis and circuit boards are used, then functional independence is improved, but manufacturing processes and overall cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple manufacturing processes into a single integrated system assembly. Instead of separately manufacturing and assembling multiple chassis and circuit boards, the system is built as one unified unit with fewer discrete components, reducing the number of manufacturing steps, quality control checkpoints, and assembly operations required.
Solution Approach 2:
While integrating functions, the system maintains logical segmentation of software modules and functional blocks within the unified hardware platform. This allows independent development and testing of individual functions (sensor processing, GPS reception, steering control) while simplifying physical manufacturing by eliminating the need for separate hardware assemblies for each function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete components are used for processing and sensing, then functional specialization is improved, but the number of connectors and power supplies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete components including power supplies, connectors, and circuit boards into a single integrated chassis. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of physical components while maintaining functional specialization through software-based function allocation and modular software architecture within the unified hardware platform.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated computing system computes a geo-location of a vehicle based on location data generated by a GNSS receiver, operates one or more external communication interfaces, calculates a desired path for steering the vehicle based on the geo-location, and communicates the desired path to one or more external operating units via the one or more external communication interfaces. The integrated computing system may include one or more computer processing units programmed to provide shared coordinated execution of software functions that are all implemented and located within a same integrated circuit or enclosure. The integrated computing system lowers the overall cost and complexity of agricultural guidance systems by reducing and simplifying the number of chassis, boxes, connectors, power supplies, and manufacturing processes.