Agricultural Vehicle Steering Calibration With Nonlinear Curvature Modeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural vehicles face challenges in accurately predicting and controlling steering inputs due to non-linear relationships between curvature and steering conditions, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors in maneuvering.

Innovation Solution

A steering control system that utilizes a primary curvature model, generated through data collection and regression techniques, to predict steering conditions and adjust calibration constants, incorporating a third-degree polynomial function to enhance precision and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a primary curvature model with non-linear relationship is used to predict steering conditions, then steering control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering control accuracyVSAvoidmodel complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the complex non-linear steering control problem into a polynomial parameter optimization problem. By representing the curvature model as a third-degree polynomial with adjustable coefficients, the system can achieve high prediction accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency through parameter tuning rather than complex structural design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering control mechanisms with a data-driven computational model. Instead of relying on physical feedback mechanisms and mechanical linkages, the system uses polynomial-based mathematical models processed by control circuitry to predict and adjust steering conditions, reducing mechanical complexity while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If calibration curvature models are generated through data collection and regression techniques, then prediction accuracy is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs curvature model calibration in advance during system setup or maintenance periods, storing the calibrated polynomial coefficients for rapid deployment. This preliminary action separates the time-consuming data collection and regression processes from operational use, allowing the system to achieve high prediction accuracy without time delays during actual steering operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates simplified polynomial representations (copies) of the complex non-linear steering behavior through regression analysis. These polynomial models serve as computationally efficient approximations that capture the essential steering characteristics without requiring real-time access to extensive training data, enabling fast predictions with high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If a third-degree polynomial function is used in the curvature model, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering control precisionVSAvoidpolynomial degree
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically determines optimal polynomial coefficients through calibration procedures, transforming the third-degree polynomial from a complex mathematical structure into a set of tuned parameters. This parameter optimization approach enables high steering precision by adjusting the polynomial coefficients to match actual vehicle behavior, while the polynomial structure itself remains computationally manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12495726B2Automatic encoder calibration system for an agricultural vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.12.16 BLUE LEAF I P INC
  • US12495726B2 patent drawing
  • US12495726B2 patent drawing
  • US12495726B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An agricultural vehicle includes a steering input device configured to steer the agricultural vehicle to perform a turn. The agricultural vehicle includes a steering control system configured to operate the steering input device. The steering control system includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to receive a steering input indicating a curvature to be performed by the agricultural vehicle. The processing circuitry is configured to operate the steering input device using a primary curvature model of the agricultural vehicle and the steering input. The primary curvature model of the agricultural vehicle is configured to predict a steering condition of the steering input device to perform the steering input. The primary curvature model comprising a non-linear relationship between curvatures and steering conditions of the steering input device.