Motor Grader Path Generation With Automated Steering Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor graders require operators to input various types of information for travel path generation, leading to an insufficient reduction in operator burden.
Innovation Solution
A control system that generates a travel path based on the position and azimuth of the work vehicle and direction of travel, automatically controlling the steering mechanism to follow the generated path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated steering system is implemented, then steering control burden is reduced, but operator burden is not sufficiently lessened due to required information input
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically acquires position, azimuth, and direction of travel information without operator intervention, and autonomously generates travel path data. The automated steering system serves itself by eliminating the need for manual information input, thereby fully realizing reduction of operator burden while maintaining automated steering functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-acquires necessary operation information (position, azimuth, direction of travel) through sensors before path generation is needed. By having this data ready in advance through automatic acquisition rather than requiring operator input at the moment of path generation, the system reduces operational burden while maintaining complexity
2Device complexity
If manual path generation is required, then system simplicity is maintained, but operator burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual information input operations with automatic sensor-based acquisition. Position, azimuth, and direction of travel data are automatically captured by sensors and processed by the control unit, substituting the mechanical/manual process of operator input with an automated electronic system that maintains overall system simplicity
3Ease of operation
If automated path generation is implemented, then operator burden is reduced, but automation extent must increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it acquires position data, determines azimuth, calculates direction of travel, generates travel path data, and controls steering. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit rather than separate specialized systems, the patent achieves high automation while avoiding excessive system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A motor grader representing a work vehicle includes a steering mechanism and a control unit. The control unit generates a travel path of the motor grader based on a position and an azimuth of the motor grader and a direction of travel of the motor grader and controls the steering mechanism such that the motor grader travels along the generated travel path.