Trailing Vehicle Positioning via Lead GPS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implement trains face challenges in accurately determining the location, speed, and heading of trailing vehicles due to articulated joints and non-linear paths, leading to incorrect product application in agricultural fields.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses location, speed, or heading information from a leading vehicle to determine the position and orientation of trailing vehicles, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems on each trailing vehicle by employing a control module with dimensional and configuration information about the implement train.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS receivers are installed on multiple vehicles in the implement train, then position information accuracy is improved, but device complexity and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple positioning functions into a single GPS receiver mounted on the lead vehicle. The control module processes GPS data along with implement train configuration information (articulated joint positions, vehicle dimensions, hitch types) to calculate positions of all trailing vehicles, eliminating the need for multiple separate GPS receivers and reducing system complexity while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If separate positioning systems are installed on each trailing vehicle, then position determination reliability is improved, but loss of time for installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the lead vehicle's GPS receiver to self-determine positions of all trailing vehicles through mathematical calculations based on known configuration parameters (vehicle lengths, hitch positions, articulated joint locations). This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate positioning systems on trailing vehicles, significantly reducing installation and maintenance time while maintaining reliable position determination.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple GPS receivers and speed sensors are installed on trailing vehicles, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single GPS receiver on the lead vehicle serves multiple functions: determining the position of the lead vehicle itself, calculating positions of all trailing vehicles, and enabling precise control of implements on trailing vehicles. The control module integrates GPS data with implement train configuration information to provide comprehensive positioning and control functionality, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated sensors and receivers.
Data Source
AI summary
Leading vehicle position information can be used to determine a location and heading of one or more implements of a trailing vehicle in an implement train that includes the leading vehicle. In an example, the leading vehicle pulls one or more trailing vehicles, and information about the leading vehicle position or heading is used to update a function of one or more implements associated with trailing vehicles of the implement train. In an example, the present subject matter includes identifying a heading of a trailing vehicle based on its initial location, an intermediate location, and a destination location. In an example, the present subject matter includes identifying a speed of one or more points on a trailing vehicle. In some examples, the present subject matter includes determining a location, heading, or speed of multiple implements associated with multiple trailing vehicles.