Work Vehicle Auto-Steering Switch Timing by Reference Line Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing working vehicles face challenges in easily switching between manual and automatic steering modes, particularly in determining the timing for starting and finishing automatic operations, which can be inconsistent due to varying work requirements and factors like implements used.
Innovation Solution
A working vehicle equipped with a positioning system using satellite navigation and inertial measurement, along with a steering device capable of manual and automatic steering, features a steering changeover switch that allows operators to easily initiate and terminate automatic steering by setting and adjusting traveling reference lines, enabling precise control over the vehicle's path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional automatic steering system is used where the reference traveling line is set before automatic steering, then the automatic traveling can be easily performed by switching with a changeover switch, but it becomes difficult to determine the timing of starting and finishing the automatic operation when the working vehicle is operated with the automatic operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically setting the start and end points of the reference traveling line based on work area information before automatic steering begins. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for manual timing determination by the operator, as the system has already prepared the necessary reference data in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic steering system serves itself by automatically determining its own start and end points based on work area information from the positioning system. The system uses its own positioning capabilities to identify when to begin and end automatic operation, eliminating the need for external manual intervention for timing determination.
2Device complexity
If the reference traveling line is set manually before automatic steering, then the system structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different work scenarios and timing requirements varies depending on implements and other factors
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating work area information storage and automatic reference line generation capabilities. The same positioning and control system serves multiple purposes: it positions the vehicle, determines work area boundaries, identifies start and end points, and generates reference traveling lines automatically, making the system adaptable to various work scenarios without adding complex separate subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to different work scenarios by dynamically changing parameters such as the coordinates of start and end points, and the geometry of the reference traveling line based on the stored work area information. These parameter adjustments allow the same basic system structure to accommodate different implements and working conditions without structural modification.
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 solution enables operators to seamlessly switch between manual and automatic steering, improving operational efficiency and accuracy by allowing precise setting of start and end points for automatic steering, adapting to different work scenarios and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a positioning system using satellite navigation
Implementation Method 2
inertial measurement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
To allow an operator to easily switch automatic steering between to be started and to be finished. A working vehicle comprises a steering handle (30), a vehicle body to travel with either manual steering by the steering handle (30) or automatic steering of the steering handle (30) based on a traveling reference line; a steering switch (52) to switch the automatic steering between to be started and to be terminated; and a notifier device (80) to notify that the vehicle body approaches a shifting position that shifts in a width direction of the vehicle body with respect to a switching position of the vehicle body where the steering switch (52) is operated.