Agricultural Tool Position Control for Obstacle Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural machinery lacks the ability to effectively detect irregularities in fields, leading to potential damage to crops when working tools adjust width or depth, as existing solutions do not account for uneven terrain or obstacles.
Innovation Solution
An automatic width adjustment and depth control system that includes a chassis with wheels, obstacle detection means, and a contact sensor, allowing for real-time adjustment of tool position to maintain consistent working parameters and avoid crop damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tractor shifts or planting width/slope changes, then the working tool can adapt to terrain variations, but the fixed settings cause damage to crops and serious consequences for the crops
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of obstacles and irregularities in the field using sensors before the working tool reaches them. The control system预先 adjusts the working tool's position based on detected obstacles, preventing crop damage before it occurs. This is evident in the patent where sensors detect obstacles and the control system automatically adjusts the tool position in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the working conditions through sensors that detect obstacles, irregularities, and tool position. This feedback is processed by the control system which automatically adjusts the working tool's width and depth settings in real-time to maintain optimal operation while avoiding crop damage. The patent describes a closed-loop control system that constantly adjusts based on sensor feedback.
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic width adjustment and depth control systems are implemented, then the tool maintains consistent working parameters, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting obstacles, monitoring tool position, adjusting working width, controlling working depth, and recentering the tool. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise working parameters. The system serves as both a detection system and a control system simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the obstacle detection function, position monitoring function, width adjustment function, and depth control function into an integrated control system. This merging of multiple functions into a single system reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device architecture while achieving consistent working parameters through coordinated control of all functions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the working tool is retracted to avoid obstacles, then crop damage is prevented, but the productivity and working efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically retracting the working tool whenever an obstacle is detected, the system dynamically adjusts the tool position based on the type, location, and significance of the detected obstacle. The control system evaluates sensor data and makes real-time decisions about whether to retract, maintain position, or adjust width, optimizing both crop protection and working efficiency. This dynamic response prevents unnecessary retraction that would reduce productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different responses to different detected obstacles based on their local characteristics. Rather than a uniform retraction response, the control system adjusts the working tool's position and settings specifically according to the local conditions detected by sensors. This allows the system to protect crops only where necessary while maintaining normal operation in other areas, preserving overall productivity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the operator constantly monitors and adjusts the tool manually, then crop damage is avoided, but the operator experiences musculoskeletal disorders and increased workload
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of the working tool's position and settings. Sensors automatically detect obstacles and irregularities, and the control system autonomously adjusts the tool without requiring operator intervention. This eliminates the need for the operator to constantly monitor and manually adjust the tool, preventing musculoskeletal disorders while maintaining crop protection. The system serves itself by detecting and responding to field conditions automatically.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device (100) for detecting uneven ground and/or obstacles in a field, which includes: - a chassis comprising: - at least one tool (116, 136), - at least one means for detecting an obstacle (115, 135), - at least one means for detecting uneven ground comprising a wheel (119) in contact with the ground and a contact sensor (120) of the wheel on the ground, - a means for modifying (114, 134, 113, 133, 123, 143) the relative position of the wheel and/or at least one tool with respect to the chassis, - a control means (150) configured to control the modification of the position of the wheel and/or at least one tool: - when an obstacle is detected and/or - when a lack of contact of the wheel on the ground is detected.