Operation Vehicle Path Switching Between Work Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic travel systems for operation vehicles cannot efficiently transition between multiple operation regions, requiring manual intervention and reducing operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An automatic travel system that includes a path generation unit to create operation paths within and between operation regions, and a control unit that automatically switches paths temporarily stopping and restarting operation vehicles to switch traveling paths outside the operation regions, allowing seamless transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the system generates target travel paths only within operation regions, then automatic travel within operation regions is achieved, but automatic travel between operation regions cannot be performed requiring manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic travel capabilityVSAvoidmovement between operation regions
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The path generation unit is designed to generate two types of paths: target travel paths within operation regions and movement paths between operation regions. This multi-functionality allows the same system to handle both intra-region automatic travel and inter-region automatic movement, eliminating the need for manual intervention during transitions between regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The travel path is segmented into two distinct types: target travel paths for operation within regions and movement paths for transitions between regions. The system switches between these segmented path types based on the operational phase, enabling comprehensive automatic travel coverage while maintaining clear functional separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If the system switches traveling paths from inside to outside operation regions without temporary stop, then travel continuity is maintained, but path switching accuracy and safety may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetravel continuityVSAvoidpath switching accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by generating the movement path in advance and determining the switch point before actual path switching occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the switch point is reached and temporary stop is executed, the transition to the movement path can be performed accurately and safely, maintaining both continuity and precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If manual control is required for movement between operation regions, then path switching simplicity is maintained, but operation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepath switching simplicityVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically generating movement paths, determining switch points, and executing path switching between operation regions without requiring manual intervention. The automatic travel control unit handles the entire transition process autonomously, maintaining operational simplicity while significantly improving efficiency by eliminating manual control requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3998516B1Automatic travel system
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 YANMAR POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP3998516B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3998516B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3998516B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention is provided with a path generation unit that generates an operation path (P1) for each of a plurality of operation regions (S), and an automatic travel control unit that causes an operation vehicle (1) to travel automatically along the operation path (P1) generated by the path generation unit. The path generation unit is configured to be able to generate a movement path (P2) that connects different operation regions (S) by causing the operation vehicle (1) to travel outside the operation regions (S). The automatic travel control unit is configured to temporarily stop the operation vehicle (1) before switching the traveling path on which the operation vehicle (1) travels automatically from a path inside the operation regions (S) to a path outside the operation regions (S), and in response to the temporary stop state being terminated, cause the operation vehicle (1) to travel automatically by switching the traveling path to a path outside the operation regions (S).