Multi-Vehicle Grade Control Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling multiple off-road work vehicles with grading implements lack coordination, leading to inefficiencies and inaccuracies in grading operations, as each vehicle operates independently without synchronized control of its implement.
Innovation Solution
A coordinated control system that processes grade control signals by controllers onboard each vehicle, allowing actuators to orient grading implements in sync with each other, using feedback loops and stored models to adjust orientations and maintain precise grading operations across multiple vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple work vehicles operate independently with separate control systems, then each vehicle can operate autonomously, but coordination and uniformity of grading operations deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent control systems into a coordinated networked system. Controllers on each work vehicle are connected through a communication network, allowing them to share grade control signals and coordinate their grading implements. This enables autonomous operation of each vehicle while maintaining uniformity across the entire grading operation through real-time coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If each vehicle uses independent grade control signals, then operational independence is maintained, but coordination accuracy of grading implements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network acts as an intermediary between the controllers of multiple work vehicles. It transmits grade control signals and operational data between vehicles, enabling them to maintain operational independence while achieving coordinated accuracy. The network mediates the exchange of control information, allowing each vehicle to adjust its implement orientation based on both local conditions and information from other vehicles.
3Device complexity
If vehicles operate in tandem without coordinated control, then system complexity is reduced, but grading operation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The communication network and control system are designed to be multi-functional, serving both coordination and information sharing purposes. The same infrastructure enables vehicles to exchange grade control signals, share operational status, and coordinate their implements, thereby improving grading efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity. The system performs multiple functions through a unified architecture.
4Manufacturing precision
If real-time coordination is implemented across multiple vehicles, then grading precision is improved, but communication requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each work vehicle's controller autonomously processes received grade control signals and adjusts its own grading implement based on the coordinated information. The system distributes the control intelligence across multiple independent units rather than requiring a centralized control mechanism. This self-service approach enables real-time coordination and high grading precision while avoiding the complexity of centralized control architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A coordinated multi-vehicle grade control system and method includes receiving, by a first controller onboard a first work vehicle, a first grade control signal. The method and system also include receiving, by a second controller onboard a second work vehicle, a second grade control signal. Additionally, the method and system include orienting, by a first actuator of the first work vehicle, the first grading implement with respect to the first work vehicle according to the first grade control signal. Furthermore, the method and system include orienting, by a second actuator of the second work vehicle, the second grading implement with respect to the second work vehicle according to the second grade control signal. The second grade control signal is based, at least in part, on the first grade control signal to coordinate the orientation of the first grading implement with respect to the second grading implement along the grading pass.