Coordinated Robotic Tillage Using Shared Operating Variables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Setting up and operating a system of multiple self-propelled soil tillage implements, such as robotic mowers, is time-consuming and requires user intervention, especially when malfunctions occur, as existing systems lack efficient communication and autonomous adaptation of operating variables.
Innovation Solution
A method where the operating variables are automatically transmitted and stored among soil tillage implements, allowing them to autonomously follow random paths and adapt their behavior based on changes, with a base station distributing and adjusting these variables wirelessly, reducing the need for user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple self-propelled soil tillage implements operate independently with random paths, then coverage of the working area is improved, but the overall working time increases due to lack of coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The base station receives status information from all tillage implements and sends control commands back to coordinate their operation. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor coverage progress and adjust individual implement paths to optimize overall working time while ensuring complete area coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent tillage implements are merged into a coordinated system through the base station, which integrates their individual random path operations into a unified workflow. This combination allows the system to achieve both complete coverage and reduced total working time through synchronized operation.
2Reliability
If operating variable information is entered for each tillage implement individually, then system setup is thorough, but the setup time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base station stores operating variable information and automatically distributes it to all tillage implements. This copying mechanism ensures that each implement receives the necessary operational parameters without requiring individual manual configuration, thereby maintaining setup completeness while dramatically reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station serves multiple functions: it acts as a central repository for operating variables, a communication hub for distributing information to all implements, and a coordination center for receiving status updates. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for redundant individual configurations while ensuring reliable system setup.
3Ease of operation
If the system requires user intervention for malfunctions and adjustments, then operational control is maintained, but productivity decreases due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The tillage implements are equipped with control units that can autonomously process control commands from the base station and adjust their own operation. This self-service capability allows the system to handle malfunctions and optimize performance without requiring constant user intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving productivity.
4Device complexity
If each tillage implement has its own control unit and operates autonomously, then system complexity is reduced, but coordination and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The base station acts as an intermediary between the individually controlled tillage implements. It receives status information from each implement's control unit and distributes coordinated control commands, enabling adaptability and coordination without increasing the complexity of the individual implement control systems.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A system (S) comprises at least one first and one second self-propelled tillage implement (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) for jointly working a predefined work area (A). A single tillage implement (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) autonomously follows a random path (W1, W2, W3, W4) within the work area (A). The system (S) comprises at least one base station (8) for communication with the tillage implements (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4). For a method for setting up and operating the system (S) it is provided that information about an operating variable (B) stored in a soil cultivation implement (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) is transmitted to other soil cultivation implements (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4), that a soil cultivation implement (1.1, 1.2) can be operated independently of another soil cultivation implement (1.3, 1.4).4) autonomously follows a random path (W) within the working area (A) using the operating variables (B), and that during the operation of the system (S) consisting of soil cultivation implements (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4), the behavior of a single soil cultivation implement (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4) is adapted depending on changes in the operating variables (B).