Ground-Object Detection for Turf Aerator Implement Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing turf aerators can damage irrigation sprinkler heads due to lack of effective detection systems, leading to decreased efficiency and potential repair costs.

Innovation Solution

A detection system is integrated into a vehicle to automatically detect ground surface or sub-surface objects, such as sprinkler heads, and issue notifications to avoid contact, allowing for automatic disengagement or re-routing to prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If active monitoring by operator is used to prevent damage to sprinkler heads, then reliability of object protection is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to decreased aerating efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject protectionVSAvoidaerating efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual monitoring system with an automated detection system using transducers (such as RFID antennas or microwave radar) that automatically detect sprinkler heads and generate notifications, eliminating the need for operator attention and maintaining full aerating efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system operates autonomously to protect sprinkler heads without requiring operator intervention, with the system self-monitoring and self-reporting object locations through automated notifications to the operator or automatic implement disengagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If detection system is added to vehicle, then object protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject protectionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the detection system into existing vehicle platforms, allowing the same vehicle to perform both turf aerating and object detection functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses notification systems (visual, audible, or automatic disengagement commands) as intermediaries between the detection transducers and the operator/implement control, simplifying the interface and reducing complexity in the control chain

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12433179B2Vehicle with detection system for detecting ground surface and sub-surface objects, and method for controlling vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 THE TORO COMPANY

AI summary

A detection system for use with a powered ground maintenance vehicle, the detection system adapted to detect and avoid contact of a ground maintenance implement carried by the vehicle with an object associated with the ground surface. In some embodiments, the detection system may automatically disengage the implement from the ground surface before the implement contacts the object and, optionally, automatically re-engage the implement with the ground surface after the implement has passed the object.