Ultrasonic Sensor Cone Width Tuning for Vegetation Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vegetation interference causes inaccurate or unreliable distance measurements to the ground surface for milling or reclamation machines, as existing systems struggle to differentiate between reflections from the ground and vegetation layers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves tuning ultrasonic sensors to filter unwanted reflections from vegetation by adjusting the width of ultrasonic waves output, allowing for accurate distance determination to the ground surface by selecting reflections with the highest amplitude values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic waves are output with a wide cone pattern to ensure sufficient coverage area, then the area of ground surface detection is improved, but vegetation interference increases causing inaccurate distance measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the cone pattern width adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically modifies the ultrasonic wave output pattern width based on detected vegetation interference levels, allowing the detection beam to adapt its coverage area and precision characteristics in real-time operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of ultrasonic wave propagation by adjusting the cone pattern width. When vegetation interference is detected, the system narrows the cone pattern width parameter to reduce interference while maintaining sufficient detection coverage, thereby resolving the contradiction between coverage area and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If the cone pattern width is reduced to filter vegetation reflections, then distance measurement precision is improved, but detection coverage area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the cone pattern width based on real-time detection of vegetation interference. Rather than using a fixed narrow pattern, the system modifies the beam width parameter dynamically to achieve optimal precision while maintaining adequate coverage for the specific operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by detecting vegetation interference before it severely degrades measurements, then proactively adjusts the cone pattern width to prevent inaccurate readings. This anticipatory adjustment maintains both precision and coverage by preparing the optimal beam width before measurement errors occur.
3Area of stationary object
If ultrasonic sensor output width is increased to maintain detection coverage, then area coverage is improved, but interference from vegetation reflections increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the ultrasonic wave propagation parameter by adjusting cone pattern width in response to detected vegetation interference. When interference levels indicate vegetation presence, the system narrows the beam width parameter to reduce harmful reflections while preserving sufficient coverage area for effective operation.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the ultrasonic beam width is narrowed to reduce vegetation interference, then interference noise is reduced, but detection coverage area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system resolves this contradiction through dynamic adjustment of the cone pattern width parameter. Rather than selecting a fixed narrow or wide beam, the system continuously adapts the beam width based on detected vegetation interference levels, achieving optimal balance between noise reduction and coverage area for each operating condition.
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
This approach enables precise distance measurement to the ground surface even under vegetation cover, improving cutting depth accuracy and reducing interference noise, thereby enhancing operational efficiency of milling or reclamation machines.
Implementation Method 1
tuning an ultrasonic sensor to filter unwanted reflections from a vegetation layer covering a ground surface... receiving reflections of the ultrasonic waves output from the ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 2
The '205 patent describes that a near-distance value is derived from a leading-edge time of a first echo which exceeds a minimum amplitude
Implementation Method 3
selecting a highest amplitude value as corresponding to the ground surface... determining a distance from the ultrasonic sensor to the ground surface using the reflections of the ultrasonic waves having the highest amplitude value
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method can tune a sensor to filter unwanted reflections or echoes of sound waves from a vegetation layer covering a ground surface in favor of reflections or echoes of sound waves from the ground surface. Such tuning can include adjusting a width of the sound waves output by the sensor. A distance from the sensor to the ground surface underlying the vegetation layer can be determined using the reflections or echoes of the sound from the ground surface based on the sound waves output from the sensor at the adjusted width.