Utility Vehicle Path Following System for Material Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of utility vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing and leveling excess material generated during surface grading, as following the paths of this excess material can be difficult and tiring.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a work tool, a sensing system, and a controller with a computing device that generates a second guidance path based on images of material accumulation, allowing the work tool to interact with the excess material and manage its distribution effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually follows the path of excess material during subsequent passes, then the material can be captured and leveled, but the operation becomes difficult and tiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of following material paths with an automated vision-based guidance system. Sensors capture images of the work surface and material accumulations, the controller processes these images to identify material paths, and the system automatically generates guidance paths for the utility vehicle to follow, eliminating the need for manual visual tracking by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the utility vehicle to autonomously navigate and self-correct its path based on real-time detection of material accumulations. The vehicle independently identifies excess material, calculates optimal paths to capture and level it, and executes these paths without continuous manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient in managing material distribution.
2Productivity
If the operator manually tracks excess material paths, then material distribution can be managed, but operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the operator's manual visual tracking and decision-making with an automated computer vision system. The sensing system continuously monitors the work surface, the controller processes images to detect material accumulations and calculate optimal paths, and the guidance system automatically directs the vehicle, completely removing the physical and mental burden from the operator while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by using sensors to monitor the work surface and material accumulations in real-time, processing this information to generate guidance paths, and adjusting the vehicle's trajectory based on detected material locations. This closed-loop feedback system ensures efficient material management while eliminating manual tracking requirements.
3Extent of automation
If a sensing system and controller are added to automatically generate guidance paths, then operator fatigue is reduced and material management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified system: the sensing system performs both detection and image capture, the controller executes both image processing and path calculation, and the guidance system provides both visual feedback and automated steering. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing system complexity while achieving high automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for operating a utility vehicle, the system comprising a sensing system, a controller, including a computing device having a processor and a memory, the controller operatively coupled to the sensing system, wherein the controller receives a first sensing signal from the sensing system, where the first sensing signal comprises an image with an accumulation of a material generated by the work tool engaging the material while traveling along a first guidance path which creates a first area traversed, generates a second guidance path, by the controller, based on the first signal, where movement along the second path creates a second area traversed to overlap a portion of the first area traversed causing the work tool to interact with the accumulation of the material.