Sampling Arm Upper Edge Detection for Animal Feed Piles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous sampling vehicles face challenges in reliably detecting the upper edge of a pile of animal feed, leading to potential obstacles like people or animals, which can cause accidents during the sampling process, and require complex and costly data analysis systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using two measurement sensors oriented towards the front of the vehicle, integrated with the sampling arm, to continuously scan the leading edge and detect the upper edge, with an electronic processing unit controlling the arm's movement and actuation based on punctual measurements, ensuring safe and reliable sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex data analysis systems are used to detect obstacles, then detection reliability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential detection function from complex data analysis systems by using simple distance measurement sensors that only measure the distance to the leading edge. The system deliberately ignores potential obstacles and focuses solely on detecting the upper edge position, thereby achieving reliable detection without complex analysis systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and complex data analysis systems with simple, inexpensive distance measurement sensors. These basic sensors provide sufficient detection capability for the specific task of detecting the upper edge position without requiring sophisticated processing systems.
2Measurement precision
If the sampling arm reaches high position to sample the upper edge, then sampling accuracy is improved, but risk of contacting obstacles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary detection of the upper edge position using distance measurement sensors before the sampling arm reaches the high position. This advance detection allows the control unit to determine the exact moment when the arm should stop ascending, preventing contact with obstacles while maintaining sampling accuracy at the upper edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where distance measurement sensors continuously monitor the distance to the leading edge during arm ascent. The control unit receives real-time feedback on the arm's position relative to the upper edge and adjusts the arm's movement accordingly, stopping precisely when the upper edge is reached to avoid obstacle contact.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for reliably detecting the upper edge of the front of attack of a pile of animal feed product(s), from a sampling vehicle and such a vehicle enabling the implementation of said method. The present invention relates to a method for reliably detecting the upper edge (F10) of the front of attack (F1) of a pile of animal feed product(s), from a sampling vehicle (1).It consists of positioning the vehicle (1) in front of the attack front (F10), then continuously controlling the upward movement (F10) of the sampling arm (1b) so as to vertically scan the plane of the attack front (F10) with the measurement axes (M1, M2) of at least two measuring sensors (2), then, as soon as at least one target absence signal (F1, P) is acquired, controlling the stopping of the arm's movement, possibly controlling the detection of an obstacle (P) on the pile of product(s) (F), and then controlling the activation of the sampling tool (10b). It also relates to such a vehicle (1) enabling the implementation of said process.