Advanced Agricultural Vehicle Control System Innovation

Publication ID: 24-11856943_0006_PTD
Published: October 26, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Advanced Agricultural Vehicle Control System Innovation,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11856943_0006_PTD, Published October 26, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11856943_0006_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,856,943.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for a control system for agricultural utility vehicles, while effective, has limitations in terms of material waste, uneven terrain distribution, and maintenance complexity. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing servo-controlled hydraulic devices, real-time terrain analysis, and self-leveling mechanisms, ensuring optimal material coverage and reducing waste.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new invention introduces a combination of servo-controlled hydraulic devices, real-time terrain analysis, and self-leveling mechanisms that are not present in the original patent, providing a non-obvious and innovative solution to the limitations of the original invention. The predictive analytics and modular design of the system also represent a significant departure from the original patent, offering a new and inventive approach to agricultural utility vehicle control systems.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the invention could include the use of alternative sensor technologies, such as lidar or GPS, or the integration of machine learning algorithms to further optimize material application. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use with different types of agricultural utility vehicles or materials, or integrated with other precision agriculture technologies to create a comprehensive farming solution.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced control system has significant commercial potential in the agricultural industry, particularly in the precision agriculture and autonomous farming sectors. The system's ability to reduce material waste, increase efficiency, and improve crop yields could lead to increased adoption and revenue growth in these markets. Additionally, the system's modular design and customization options could appeal to a wide range of agricultural utility vehicle manufacturers and users, providing a competitive advantage in the market.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A01 A01M7/0057
A A01 A01B73/04
A A01 A01C7/10
A A01 A01C23/047
A A01 A01M7/0075
A A01 A01M7/0089

Field of Art

Agricultural vehicle control systems, precision agriculture technologies, material distribution mechanisms, with expertise in sensor integration, hydraulic control systems, and adaptive agricultural machinery

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with specialized knowledge in agricultural engineering, familiar with sensor technologies, hydraulic control mechanisms, and precision agricultural equipment design, typically holding a bachelor's or master's degree with 3-5 years of industry experience

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's agricultural vehicle control system. The disclosed modifications leverage known sensor technologies, standard hydraulic control techniques, and established precision agriculture principles to enhance the original invention's functionality. These variations demonstrate incremental technological advancements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to optimize material distribution and vehicle control systems.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Distributor linkage with center part and lateral extension arms connected by joints
PTD Variation
Adding servo-controlled hydraulic devices for extension arm pivoting and implementing a self-leveling mechanism
Obviousness Reasoning
Standard hydraulic actuation is a known technique for precise mechanical positioning, and self-leveling mechanisms are common in agricultural equipment to manage uneven terrain
Source Patent Element
Sensors for detecting center part position
PTD Variation
Integrating multiple sensor types (ultrasonic, radar, potential lidar) in a modular, replaceable configuration
Obviousness Reasoning
Sensor fusion and modular design are predictable engineering solutions for improving sensing reliability and maintenance in agricultural control systems
Source Patent Element
Basic material distribution control system
PTD Variation
Implementing predictive analytics using real-time terrain and weather data to dynamically adjust material application
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive control strategies using environmental data are a natural progression in precision agriculture, representing an obvious optimization approach for skilled engineers
Source Patent Element
Static target distance for extension arms
PTD Variation
Dynamically adjusting target distances using historical data, terrain analysis, and machine learning algorithms
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive control techniques are well-established in control engineering, and applying machine learning to agricultural systems represents a straightforward technological evolution
Source Patent Element
Basic sensor-based position detection
PTD Variation
Implementing comprehensive data processing to average sensor inputs and generate more accurate positioning information
Obviousness Reasoning
Signal processing techniques like sensor data averaging are standard engineering practices for improving measurement accuracy
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11856943, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations in agricultural utility vehicle control systems would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention. The disclosed technical modifications represent predictable engineering solutions using known techniques in sensor integration, hydraulic control, and precision agriculture technologies, thereby rendering subsequent claims involving similar technological approaches unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. ยง 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,856,943
TitleControl system, agricultural utility vehicle and method for controlling an agricultural utility vehicle
Assignee(s)AMAZONEN-WERKE H. DREYER SE & CO. KG, HYDAC SYSTEMS & SERVICES GMBH