Work Vehicle Auto Travel Using Multi-Reference Parallel Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic travel systems for work vehicles require manual adjustment and operation to set reference lines, leading to increased workload and reduced efficiency, especially when traveling in directions not parallel to the reference path.
Innovation Solution
An automatic travel system that includes a storage unit for multiple reference lines, a travel path generation unit capable of generating parallel paths, and an automatic travel control unit, allowing the work vehicle to automatically travel along parallel paths without the need for additional manual adjustments, using position information to select the appropriate reference line and generate paths that pass through the vehicle's current position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reference line is set by performing an adjustment operation to adjust the orientation of the work vehicle in a straight direction at a work start position, then the target travel path can be set, but the work load on the user increases and work efficiency reduces when setting different reference lines
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically setting multiple candidate reference lines (first reference line and second reference line) based on the work region shape and current position, so that when automatic travel is needed, the appropriate reference line is already prepared and stored in the storage unit, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations at the time of use
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by automatically generating and storing multiple reference lines based on the work region shape and vehicle position information, without requiring user intervention. The travel path generation unit automatically selects and uses the appropriate reference line based on current position, making the system self-sufficient in preparing travel paths
2Adaptability or versatility
If the user manually drives the work vehicle to generate a reference path for automatic travel in a non-parallel direction, then the desired travel path can be achieved, but the work load on the user increases and work efficiency reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides multi-functionality by supporting automatic travel in multiple directions (both parallel and non-parallel to reference paths) through the stored first and second reference lines. The travel path generation unit can generate parallel paths for any of the stored reference lines, allowing the system to handle various travel direction requirements without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing multiple reference lines (first reference line parallel to the reference path and second reference line perpendicular to it) in the storage unit, enabling the travel path generation unit to generate appropriate parallel paths in advance for any desired travel direction without requiring manual driving
3Device complexity
If only one reference line is stored, then the storage structure is simple, but the system cannot generate parallel paths in multiple directions without additional manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is designed to store multiple reference lines (first reference line and second reference line) with different orientations, enabling the system to generate parallel paths in multiple directions. This multi-functional storage structure allows the travel path generation unit to select the appropriate reference line based on the desired travel direction, providing versatility without significant complexity increase
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention comprises: a storage unit that stores a first reference line (K1) and a second reference line (K2); a travel path generation unit that generates parallel paths (PI, P2), each of which is parallel to the first reference line (K1) or the second reference line (K2); and an automatic travel control unit that causes a work vehicle (1) to travel automatically along the parallel paths (PI, P2) generated by the travel path generation unit.