Work Vehicle Obstacle Mapping From Load and Acceleration Events
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial work machines, such as windrowers, face challenges in monitoring and adjusting their operations to handle varying loads and terrain, leading to potential equipment overload or damage due to lack of real-time feedback and adaptive control systems.
Innovation Solution
A work machine control system that includes sensors to monitor load, acceleration, and position, communicating with a controller to identify events when these parameters exceed acceptable ranges, and storing this data in a field map database for future reference and operational adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time monitoring and adaptive control systems are implemented, then operational safety and equipment integrity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor load and acceleration parameters, comparing them against predetermined thresholds, and automatically generating alerts or adjusting implement position when thresholds are exceeded. This closed-loop feedback system enables real-time adaptive control that improves equipment integrity without requiring complex manual intervention systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system performs self-service by automatically detecting when load or acceleration exceeds acceptable ranges and autonomously responding through alerts or automatic implement adjustment. This self-monitoring and self-adjusting capability reduces the need for external operator intervention and complex control architectures while maintaining high reliability.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and communication modules are added to monitor load and acceleration, then measurement precision and operational awareness are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using a single integrated control system that performs multiple functions: monitoring load via pressure sensors, detecting acceleration through sensors, comparing both parameters against thresholds, generating alerts, and controlling implement position. This universal approach consolidates multiple monitoring and control functions into one system, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the load monitoring function and acceleration monitoring function into a single integrated control system that processes both parameters simultaneously. By combining these sensing and control functions rather than using separate independent systems, the patent achieves comprehensive operational awareness while minimizing the overall complexity of the monitoring infrastructure.
3Productivity
If automatic implement position adjustment is implemented, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming acceptable load and acceleration ranges into the control system before operation. These predetermined thresholds enable the system to automatically compare real-time sensor data against known safe operating parameters and take preemptive action by adjusting implement position before damage can occur, thereby improving productivity through automated preventive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling the work implement position to automatically adjust in response to real-time load and acceleration conditions. The hydraulic actuator dynamically modifies the implement position based on sensor feedback, allowing the system to adapt to varying field conditions and maintain optimal operational efficiency without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a chassis, and a work implement movably coupled to the chassis and configured to perform a field-engaging function. The work machine also includes an actuator coupled to the work implement and configured to adjust a position of the work implement relative to a ground surface. The work machine further includes a sensor unit configured to sense a characteristic of the work machine and communicate a signal indicative of the characteristic. The work machine also includes a communication module, and a controller in communication with the sensor unit and the communication module, the controller including a processor and memory. The controller is configured to monitor a location of the work machine, process the signal from the sensor unit to monitor the characteristic, determine whether the characteristic exceeds an acceptable range, and if so, identify an event, and assign a location to the event.