V2V Return-to-Fill Position Control for Precise Grain Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle control systems require manual user input to fine-tune the fill position of receiving containers during unloading processes, leading to potential overfilling and spillage, especially in environments with high particulate levels.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle control system that uses processing circuits to receive position information, determine an unloading point based on the position of an unloading mechanism relative to a receiving container, and autonomously position the receiving container to ensure consistent and accurate filling without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual user input is used to fine-tune fill position, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate due to potential overfilling and spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the receiving container to autonomously return to the last fill point using stored position data from GPS and unloading mechanism sensors, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining precise fill positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an automated electronic control system that uses GPS data, sensor information, and processing circuits to calculate and execute positioning commands, substituting human operation with electronic-mechanical integration
2Loss of substance
If manual fine-tuning is required, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of substance increases due to spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the position of the unloading mechanism and receiving container via sensors and GPS, storing this data to determine optimal fill points, and using this information to automatically adjust positioning for subsequent unloading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by storing position information from previous unloading operations and using this pre-captured data to automatically position the receiving container at the optimal fill point before unloading begins, preventing spillage before it occurs
3Productivity
If autonomous positioning is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by integrating multiple functions into a single control framework: GPS reception, sensor data processing, position calculation, command generation, and autonomous vehicle control all work together within one unified system that can handle various unloading scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle control system for an agricultural vehicle comprising a processing circuit including a processor and memory, the memory having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the processing circuit to receive position information associated with a position of at least one of a second agricultural vehicle or a vehicular implement, determine, based on the position information, an unloading point associated with a position of an unloading mechanism relative to a receiving container, store the determined position, operate at least one of the agricultural vehicle or the second agricultural vehicle to position the receiving container such that a subsequent unloading point is the same as the determined unloading point.