Ultra-wideband RF Tracking for Implement Positioning Error
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position sensing technologies for work vehicle implements, such as GPS and rotation sensors, suffer from limited precision due to hysteresis in gearing or linkage, and GPS provides only rough approximations, restricting movement and design.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-wideband ranging system that uses a first RF device coupled to the implement and additional RF devices at fixed locations to establish a local reference frame, enabling high-accuracy position detection of the implement with an electronic processor determining its position and orientation relative to this frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS technology is used for position determination, then the implement position can be determined, but the position accuracy is only rough approximation and the size and position of GPS receivers restrict movement and design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position sensing function from the implement itself and places it in the stationary base system. Instead of attaching GPS receivers to the implement, the system uses a stationary base with multiple antennas that tracks the implement's position through RF signals, eliminating the need for bulky GPS equipment on the moving implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/GPS-based position determination with an electromagnetic field-based RF tracking system. The system uses ultra-wideband RF signals and time-difference-of-arrival measurements to determine position, substituting the mechanical GPS receiver approach with a wireless electromagnetic field-based solution that provides higher accuracy without physical restrictions.
2Measurement precision
If rotation sensors or cylinder position sensors are used to detect implement position, then position changes can be detected, but the precision is limited due to hysteresis in gearing or linkage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensors that measure position through physical linkages and gearing with an electromagnetic field-based RF tracking system. The stationary base system uses ultra-wideband RF signals to directly measure the implement's position in space, eliminating mechanical sensors, linkages, and gearing that introduce hysteresis errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary RF signal transmission system between the implement and the measurement system. Instead of direct mechanical coupling or electrical connections, the system uses RF signals as an intermediary to transmit position information from the implement to the stationary base, enabling contactless high-precision measurement.
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
The system achieves precise position control of the implement with accuracy approaching 2 mm, providing a mastless solution that surpasses the limitations of traditional methods by offering increased precision without the size and movement restrictions of GPS systems.
Implementation Method 1
determining a position of a first radio frequency (RF) device relative to a local reference frame using ultra-wideband ranging between the first RF device and at least one additional RF device
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of position determination of an implement on a work vehicle. The method includes determining a position of a first radio frequency (RF) device relative to a local reference frame using ultra-wideband ranging between the first RF device and at least one additional RF device. The first RF device is coupled to a fixed location on the implement, and the additional RF device is mounted at a fixed location relative to the local reference frame. The implement is controllably movable relative to the local reference frame. A position and orientated of the implement is determined relative to the local reference frame based at least in part on the determined position of the first RF device relative to the local reference frame.