Work Vehicle Obstacle Detection Layout for Automated Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional work vehicles equipped with obstacle detection systems are limited in their ability to detect obstacles during automated driving, particularly when turning at the edge of a farm field, traveling backward, or when obstacles are present laterally or rearward, leading to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a work vehicle with an electronic control system that includes a plurality of obstacle detection modules distributed on the front and lateral sides, combined with contact avoidance control units, to detect and prevent collisions with obstacles from any direction, including the use of range sensors and sonar devices mounted on various parts of the vehicle body to enhance detection coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single obstacle detection means is installed in the front portion of the vehicle body, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the vehicle cannot detect obstacles from lateral or rear directions during automated driving
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection means positioned at different locations (front, lateral sides, and rear portions) of the vehicle body. Each detection means independently monitors its specific zone, collectively providing comprehensive coverage of all directions around the vehicle during automated driving operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system transitions from a single-point front-facing detection to a multi-dimensional spatial distribution of sensors. Detection means are arranged in three-dimensional space around the vehicle body, enabling detection in multiple directions (front, lateral, rear) simultaneously, thus adding spatial dimensions to the detection capability.
2Productivity
If the vehicle travels in a straight line with automated driving, then work efficiency is improved, but the vehicle may collide with ridges or obstacles at the end of the farm field
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detection means are positioned and configured to detect ridges and obstacles at the end of farm fields before the vehicle reaches them during automated straight-line travel. The system performs preliminary detection and provides advance warning or automatic braking intervention to prevent collisions, allowing the automated driving to continue safely.
3Extent of automation
If automated driving is implemented without comprehensive obstacle detection, then labor cost is reduced, but the risk of collision with obstacles from any direction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated driving system incorporates segmented obstacle detection coverage with multiple detection means positioned at front, lateral, and rear portions of the vehicle. Each sensor segment monitors its designated zone, collectively eliminating blind spots and reducing collision risk while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The obstacle detection means provide continuous feedback to the automated driving control system about the environment around the vehicle. When obstacles are detected from any direction, the feedback triggers appropriate responses (warning, deceleration, or emergency braking) to prevent collisions, enabling safe automated driving.
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 configuration significantly enhances the vehicle's ability to reliably avoid obstacles during automated driving, reducing the risk of collisions and maintaining work efficiency by providing comprehensive detection and control across all relevant directions.
Implementation Method 1
a front ultrasonic sensor that detects an obstacle which is present in front of the vehicle body
Implementation Method 2
an obstacle detector that detects an obstacle around the vehicle body using a method different from the ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is provided to more reliably keep a work vehicle from coming into contact with an obstacle during automated driving. The work vehicle includes an electronic control system for automated driving that automatically drives the vehicle body. The electronic control system includes an obstacle detection module configured to detect presence or absence of an obstacle, and a contact avoidance control unit configured to perform, upon the obstacle detection module detecting an obstacle, contact avoidance control to keep the vehicle body from coming into contact with the obstacle. The obstacle detection module includes a plurality of obstacle searchers that are distributed on the front end portion and the right and left end portions of the vehicle body such that the front side and the right and left lateral sides of the vehicle body are search-target areas.