Autonomous Two-Track Stilt Vehicle

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a self-driving, two-track gantry vehicle primarily designed for agricultural and forestry use. It features a base structure with four wheel carrier units mounted on each side, which can synchronously adjust both the track width and the ground clearance by pivoting via a parallel link system. This allows the vehicle to easily switch between a high-clearance operational mode suitable for driving over plant rows, and a compact transport mode for easy road transport and maneuvering.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Biological pest control in agriculture using precise distribution of beneficial organisms.
• Crop care activities such as fertilizing, pesticide, and herbicide application, especially for row crops like vineyards and orchards.
• Harvesting operations that require machines to pass over rows of crops without damaging plants.
• Forestry applications where a self-driving vehicle must navigate uneven or sloped terrain.
• Transport of the machine between fields or remote locations using standard road trailers, thanks to its compact transport mode.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables both large ground clearance for field operation and compact size for easy transportation on standard trailers.
• Reduces plant damage during crop care and harvesting by passing above plant rows without contact.
• Simple, lightweight construction results in minimal soil compaction and lower energy consumption.
• Efficient transition between operational and transport modes, improving logistics and seasonal responsiveness.
• Active, wheel-specific height adjustment enhances vehicle stability on uneven or sloped ground.
• Cost-effective due to lower material and maintenance needs compared to complex telescoping mechanisms.
• Supports biological crop protection by efficiently distributing minimal quantities of beneficial organisms.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention relates to a self-driving two-track gantry vehicle (1), in particular for agricultural and forestry applications, comprising a base structure (2) and four wheel carrier units (8) which are arranged in pairs on two opposite longitudinal sides of the base structure (2). The wheel carrier units (8) are each mounted so as to be pivotable with respect to the base structure (2) via a parallel link arrangement (10) and are pivotable into an extended position and into a retracted position by means of a wheel carrier actuator. When all the wheel carrier units (8) are pivoted synchronously from the retracted position into the extended position, the track width (S) and the ground clearance (B) of the gantry vehicle change at the same time.