Movable Obstacle Detector Layout for Wider Tractor Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural machines, such as tractors, face challenges in accurately detecting obstacles around the vehicle body, particularly in wide areas and when structures protrude outward, due to fixed obstacle detector device positions which can lead to blind spots and reduced detection accuracy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a position changer mechanism for the obstacle detector device that can be moved between a detection position and an evacuation position, allowing for optimal placement to minimize blind spots and enhance detection accuracy, while also being safely repositioned when not in use during automatic traveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the obstacle detector device is fixed at a predetermined position on the vehicle body, then the device structure is simple, but the detection area is limited and blind spots occur
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detector device is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to change position between a detection position (extending outward from the vehicle body) and a retracted position. This dynamic positioning enables the detector to cover a wider detection area while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through linear movement along the extending arm.
2Measurement precision
If the obstacle detector device extends outward to detect wide areas, then detection accuracy improves, but the device may interfere with vehicle operations when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detector device dynamically changes position based on operational needs. It extends to the detection position when obstacle detection is required to improve detection accuracy, and retracts to a compact position when not in use to avoid interfering with vehicle operations, achieving both high detection accuracy and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separable components: the obstacle detector device itself and the extending arm. This segmentation allows the detector to be positioned optimally for detection while the extending arm can be independently controlled to extend or retract, resolving the conflict between detection accuracy and operational ease.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple obstacle sensors are added to cover blind spots, then detection coverage improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple sensors to cover blind spots, the invention moves a single obstacle detector device to different positions. By extending the detector outward to various locations, the system achieves comprehensive detection coverage without increasing the number of sensors, thus improving coverage while maintaining simple device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An agricultural machine includes a vehicle body including a front wheel and a rear wheel, an obstacle detector to detect an obstacle, and a position changer to change a position of the obstacle detector. The position changer moves the obstacle detector between a detection position that is a predetermined position to detect an obstacle and an evacuation position to evacuate from the detection position toward the vehicle body side. The position changer moves the obstacle detector to various detection positions allowing detection of the obstacle.