Towed Axle Guidance Using Gyroscope-Based Trace-in-Trail Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current axle guidance systems for towed vehicles are inadequate as they require sensors vulnerable to external damage, necessitate frequent calibration, and operate within limited speed ranges, leading to inefficient tracking and potential over/under dosing of agricultural products.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing gyroscopes and geolocation position sensors to determine the angle between the towing and towed vehicles, allowing for precise 'track within track' guidance without mechanical connections, calibration, or speed limitations, using a computer-based system to calculate and apply guidance angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sensors with mechanical linkages are used for axle guidance, then the system can provide steering control, but the sensors are vulnerable to damage from plants and environmental factors in agricultural fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical linkage sensors with a computational approach using gyroscopes and geolocation data. Instead of physically measuring the angle between towing and towed vehicles through mechanical linkages that expose sensors to plant damage, the system calculates the relative angle from independent angular variation measurements of each vehicle, eliminating vulnerable mechanical sensor components.
2Ease of operation
If traditional articulated drawbar systems are used, then the trailer can follow the tractor, but the system requires frequent calibration and manual adjustment to maintain accurate trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic self-calibration by continuously monitoring the angular variations of both towing and towed vehicles and computing the relative angle in real-time. The computer automatically adjusts the steering angle based on calculated parameters without requiring manual intervention or calibration procedures, making the system self-regulating and eliminating time losses associated with manual adjustment.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual steering control is used for the towed vehicle axle, then the operator can adjust the trajectory, but the response time is delayed and the crushing surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback control by monitoring the angular variation of the towed vehicle relative to the towing vehicle and automatically adjusting the steering angle in real-time. The computer processes angular variation data and generates corrective steering commands without delay, eliminating the response time lag associated with manual control and maintaining precise trajectory following.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the towed vehicle uses independent steering control, then it can correct its path, but the system complexity increases with additional sensors and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves independent steering control of the towed vehicle using the same computational methodology applied to the towing vehicle. Both vehicles are equipped with identical angular measurement capabilities (gyroscopes and geolocation), and the computer processes data from both to calculate relative angles and generate steering commands, creating a universal control approach that reduces overall system complexity despite enhanced adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures reliable and precise guidance of towed vehicles, minimizing damage and ensuring consistent product application across fields by eliminating sensor exposure and calibration needs, while operating at various speeds.
Implementation Method 1
receiving first data representative of a first angular variation of a first heading measuring means fixed to the towed vehicle and of a second angular variation of a second heading measuring means fixed to the towing vehicle
Implementation Method 2
a first heading measuring means and a second heading measuring means each corresponding to a gyroscope and/or a geolocation position sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and a system for providing trace-in-trail guidance of an axle (14) of a towed vehicle (10) by a towing vehicle (11). The system comprises a first heading measurement means (12) for mounting on the towed vehicle (10) and a second heading measurement means (13) for mounting on the towing vehicle (11). For this purpose, computer means receive initial angular variation data from said heading measurement means (12, 13), determine an angle formed between the towing vehicle (11) and the towed vehicle (10), calculate a guidance angle for said axle (14), and generate guidance for said axle (14) based on said guidance angle. Each of said heading measurement means (12, 13) corresponds to a gyroscope and/or a geolocation position sensor.