Carriage assembly for mounting visual perception device to mobile construction machine

Abstract

A carriage assembly (208) for mounting a visual perception device (144) to a structure (140) of a mobile construction machine (100) includes a first carriage (212) and a second carriage (216). The first bracket (212) is selectively positionable in a plurality of first positions relative to the structure (140). A plurality of first positions are defined about the first axis (X1). The second bracket (216) defines a first portion (312) and a second portion (316). The first portion (312) is selectively positionable in a plurality of second positions relative to the first bracket (212). A plurality of second positions are defined about the second axis (X2). The second portion (316) extends from the first portion (312). The second portion (316) facilitates selective positioning of the visual perception device (144) in a plurality of third positions relative to the second portion (316). A plurality of third positions are defined about a third axis (X3).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a visual perception device in a mobile construction machine. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a bracket assembly for mounting a visual perception device to a mobile construction machine. Background Art

[0002] Mobile construction machines, such as wheel loaders, excavators, compactors, pavers, haul trucks, bulldozers, motor graders, and other types of equipment, are known for performing various construction or earthmoving tasks. Such mobile construction machines may be equipped with one or more visual perception devices, such as cameras, to facilitate monitoring of the machine's surroundings during operation. Typically, the visual perception devices are mounted to the mobile construction machine to capture a video feed of the machine's surroundings and collectively provide the video feed to an operator of the machine via a display screen. Some of the visual perception devices may be mounted in a manner that prevents the corresponding video feed from being properly aligned, thereby affecting comfortable viewing for the operator.

[0003] U.S. Patent Application No. 2015 / 0077614 discloses a video imaging system for various applications, such as medical / surgical imaging, engineering and remote diagnostics, video conferencing, etc. The video imaging system includes a camera mounted on a remotely controlled pan-tilt mount for three-axis rotation about three mutually orthogonal axes (vertical yaw axis, horizontal roll axis, and horizontal pitch axis), all three axes intersecting at a common point. Summary of the invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a bracket assembly for mounting a visual perception device to a structure of a mobile construction machine. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is selectively positionable in a plurality of first positions relative to the structure. The plurality of first positions are defined around a first axis. The second bracket defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is selectively positionable in a plurality of second positions relative to the first bracket. The plurality of second positions are defined around a second axis. The second portion extends from the first portion. The second portion facilitates selective positioning of the visual perception device in a plurality of third positions relative to the second portion. The plurality of third positions are defined around a third axis.

[0005] On the other hand, the present disclosure relates to a mobile construction machine. The mobile construction machine includes a structure, a visual perception device and a bracket assembly. The structure extends outward toward the lateral side of the mobile construction machine. The visual perception device is configured to obtain a visual feed of the external environment of the mobile construction machine from the lateral side of the mobile construction machine. The bracket assembly is configured to mount the visual perception device to the structure. The bracket assembly includes a first bracket and a second bracket. The first bracket is selectively positionable at a plurality of first positions relative to the structure. The plurality of first positions are defined around a first axis. The second bracket defines a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is selectively positionable at a plurality of second positions relative to the first bracket. The plurality of second positions are defined around a second axis. The second portion extends from the first portion. The second portion facilitates the selective positioning of the visual perception device at a plurality of third positions relative to the second portion. The plurality of third positions are defined around a third axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 An exemplary mobile construction machine having a visual perception device mounted thereon according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0007] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a bracket assembly for mounting a visual perception device to a structure of a mobile construction machine as viewed toward a lateral side of the machine, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a carriage assembly as viewed from the side away from a mobile construction machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0009] Figure 4 An exploded view of a bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Generally, corresponding reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or corresponding parts, for example, 1, 1', 1'', 101 and 201 may refer to one or more equivalent components used in the same and / or different depicted embodiments.

[0011] refer to Figure 1, an exemplary mobile construction machine 100 (hereinafter referred to as "machine 100") is shown. Machine 100 can be operated at a work site, which can include a mine, a landfill, a quarry, a construction site, or any other type of work site. Machine 100 is embodied herein as a wheel loader 100'. Alternatively, machine 100 can be embodied as a dump truck, a loader, an excavator, a cold planer, an off-highway truck, etc. In addition, machine 100 can be a manned machine or an unmanned machine.

[0012] The machine 100 may include a front end 104 and a rear end 108 opposite the front end 104. The front end 104 and the rear end 108 may be defined with respect to an exemplary direction of travel of the machine 100 (indicated by arrow “A”), wherein the direction of travel is defined from the rear end 108 toward the front end 104. In addition, the machine 100 may include two lateral sides, namely a first lateral side 112 (or left side) and a second lateral side 116 (or right side) opposite the first lateral side 112. The first lateral side 112 and the second lateral side 116 may be positioned transversely relative to the exemplary direction of travel “A” of the machine 100.

[0013] In addition, machine 100 includes a frame 120, one or more ground engaging members 124, a propulsion system 128, an implement 132, an operator compartment 136, a structure 140, and a visual perception device 144 ( Figure 2 1). The frame 120 may house and / or support a propulsion system 128, implement 132, and operator compartment 136, although other known components may also be supported by the frame 120. The ground engaging members 124 may support the frame 120 (or machine 100) during operation and propel the frame from one location to another. The ground engaging members 124 may include a set of front wheels 148 and a set of rear wheels 152. In some embodiments, the ground engaging members 124 may include a tracked travel device (not shown) provided alone or in combination with the wheels 148, 152.

[0014] The propulsion system 128 may include a power house 156 (or hood 156) and a power source (not shown) such as an internal combustion engine disposed within the power house 156. The power source may be configured to provide power for the operation of various systems on the machine 100, typically by burning fuel. Optionally, the propulsion system 128 may also include a power source, which may be used alone or in combination with the internal combustion engine. The implement 132 may be connected to the frame 120 via a linkage assembly 160. In the present embodiment, the implement 132 is embodied as a bucket 132', which is configured to perform one or more work operations, such as loading, stockpiling, dumping, etc.

[0015] Operator compartment 136 may be located between implement 132 and power compartment 156. Operator compartment 136 may facilitate one or more operators to reside therein to monitor the operation of machine 100. In addition, operator compartment 136 may house various components and controls of machine 100, access to one or more of which may assist the operator in controlling the movement and / or operation of the machine. For example, the various components and controls of machine 100 may include one or more steering wheels, touch screens, display devices, joysticks, switches, etc., to facilitate the operator to operate machine 100 and implement 132.

[0016] The operator cab 136 may include a front portion 164, a rear portion 168, a left portion 172, a right portion 176, and a top plate portion 180. The rear portion 168 may be disposed opposite the front portion 164. The front portion 164 and the rear portion 168 may be defined along a travel direction "A" of the machine 100. In addition, the front portion 164 and the rear portion may be spaced apart from each other. The front portion 164 may be disposed proximally relative to the front end 104 of the machine 100 and distally relative to the rear end 108 of the machine. The rear portion 168 may be disposed proximally relative to the rear end 108 of the machine 100 and distally relative to the front end 104 of the machine.

[0017] The left side portion 172 and the right side portion 176 may be positioned transversely relative to the direction of travel “A” of the machine 100. The left side portion 172 may be laterally opposite the right side portion 176. When viewed from the rear end 108 of the machine 100 toward the front end 104, the left side portion 172 may be disposed toward the first lateral side 112 of the machine 100, and the right side portion 176 may be disposed toward the second lateral side 116 of the machine 100. The top plate portion 180 may extend between the rear portion 168 and the front portion 164 of the operator cab 136 along the direction of travel “A” of the machine 100. In addition, the top plate portion 180 may extend between the left side portion 172 and the right side portion 176 transversely relative to the direction of travel “A” of the machine 100.

[0018] Two structures 140, namely structure 140' and structure 140" are attached to machine 100. Reference will be made to Figure 2Let's discuss the structure 140'. The structure 140' can define a first section 184, a second section 188, and a third section 192. The first section 184 can be plate-shaped and can be generally elongated in profile. The first section 184 can extend between the second section 188 and the third section 192. In this way, the second section 188 and the third section 192 can be disposed at both ends of the first section 184. The second section 188 and the third section 192 can be disposed at an angle relative to the first section 184. In the present embodiment, the second section 188 and the third section 192 are disposed at right angles relative to the first section 184 to give the structure 140 a C-shaped profile. In addition, the structure 140 includes an orifice 196 and one or more through holes 200 defined at the second section 188 (see Figure 4 In the present embodiment, two through holes 200, namely through hole 200' and through hole 200" are defined at the second section 188 of the structure.

[0019] The structure 140' may be attached to the machine 100 at any location. In this embodiment, the structure 140' is attached to the left side portion 172 of the operator's cab 136. Thus, the structure 140' extends outwardly from the left side portion 172 toward the first lateral side 112 of the machine 100 (eg, Figure 1 In other embodiments, the structure 140 ′ may be attached to the ceiling portion 180 or the hood 156 of the operator compartment 136 .

[0020] The structure 140" may be attached to the right side portion 176 of the operator cab 136. The structure 140" may extend outwardly from the right side portion 176 toward the second lateral side 116 of the machine 100. The structure 140" may be similar in configuration and construction to the structure 140, and therefore will not be discussed.

[0021] The visual perception device 144 may be configured to obtain a visual feed (or image data) associated with one or more views of the machine 100 and its surroundings, such as still images, video streams, time-lapse sequences, etc. In the present embodiment, the visual perception device 144 is embodied as a camera 204 that is configured to obtain a visual feed of the machine 100 and / or the external environment of the machine 100 from the first lateral side 112 of the machine 100.

[0022] The camera 204 may be a monochrome digital camera, a high-resolution digital camera, or any suitable digital camera. In addition, the camera 204 may include a still camera, a video recorder, a video camera, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, etc., without limitation. The camera 204 may also include an optical flow chip to facilitate image acquisition. In some examples, the camera 204 may be embodied as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera.

[0023] It is contemplated that the visual perception device 144 may alternatively embody another type of perception device, such as a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) device, a RADAR (radio detection and ranging) device, a SONAR (sound navigation and ranging) device, a thermal scanner, and / or other type of device for obtaining vision associated with one or more views of the machine 100 and its surroundings.

[0024] refer to Figure 2 , 3 4, the machine 100 includes a bracket assembly 208. The bracket assembly 208 facilitates mounting the visual perception device 144 (or camera 204) to the machine 100. For example, the bracket assembly 208 is configured to mount the visual perception device 144 to the structure 140' of the machine 100. The bracket assembly 208 includes a first bracket 212, a second bracket 216, a first coupling mechanism 220, a second coupling mechanism 224, and a third coupling mechanism 228. Details associated with each of the first bracket 212, the second bracket 216, the first coupling mechanism 220, the second coupling mechanism 224, and the third coupling mechanism 228 will now be discussed.

[0025] The first bracket 212 can define a first segment 232 and a second segment 236. The first segment 232 can define a first surface 240 and a second surface 244 opposite the first surface 240. In this embodiment, when the first bracket 212 is coupled to the structure 140', the first surface 240 faces outwardly away from the second segment 188 of the structure 140', and the second surface 244 faces inwardly toward the second segment 188 of the structure 140' (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0026] The second segment 236 can be angled relative to the first segment 232. In the present embodiment, the second segment 236 extends perpendicular to the first segment 232 to impart an L-shaped profile to the first bracket 212. The second segment 236 can define a third surface 248 and a fourth surface 252. In the present embodiment, when the first bracket 212 is coupled to the structure 140', the third surface 248 faces outwardly away from the left side portion 172 of the operator compartment 136, and the fourth surface 252 faces inwardly toward the left side portion 172 of the operator compartment 136 (see Figure 2 and Figure 3 ).

[0027] In addition, the first bracket 212 defines a first slotted structure 256 and a second slotted structure 260. The first slotted structure 256 can be defined at the first segment 232 of the first bracket 212. The first slotted structure 256 includes a first aperture 264 and one or more first slots 268 (see Figure 4). The first aperture 264 defines a first axis “X1”. The first aperture 264 extends along the first axis “X1” between the first surface 240 and the second surface 244 of the first segment 232 .

[0028] The first slot 268 may be defined around the first aperture 264 around the first axis "X1". The one or more first slots 268 may include a first set of arcuate slots 272 and a second set of arcuate slots 276. In the present embodiment, the first set of arcuate slots 272 includes four arcuate slots 280 defined circumferentially around the first aperture 264, and the second set of arcuate slots 276 includes four arcuate slots 284 defined circumferentially around the first set of arcuate slots 272. The first set of arcuate slots 272 and the second set of arcuate slots 276 may be defined concentrically with the first aperture 264 around the first axis "X1" to facilitate selective positioning (e.g., by rotation) of the first bracket 212 relative to the structure 140 (and / or the machine 100) in a plurality of first positions around the first axis "X1". As used herein, the term "first position" may be defined as any 360-degree position or location around the first axis "X1".

[0029] The second slotted structure 260 may be defined at the second segment 236 of the first bracket 212. The second slotted structure 260 includes a second aperture 288 and one or more second slots 292 (see Figure 4 ). The second orifice 288 defines a second axis "X2" that is disposed at an angle relative to the first axis "X1". In the present embodiment, the second axis "X2" is disposed substantially orthogonally relative to the first axis "X1". The term "substantially orthogonally" means that the angle between the first axis "X1" and the second axis "X2" is close to a right angle, unless there is an angle difference that may occur due to manufacturing tolerances in actual applications. The second orifice 288 extends between the third surface 248 and the fourth surface 252 of the second segment 236 along the second axis "X2".

[0030] The second slot 292 may be defined around the second aperture 288 around the second axis "X2". The second slot 292 may include a third set of arcuate slots 296 and a fourth set of arcuate slots 300. In the present embodiment, the third set of arcuate slots 296 includes four arcuate slots 304 defined circumferentially around the second aperture 288, and the fourth set of arcuate slots 300 includes four arcuate slots 308 defined circumferentially around the third set of arcuate slots 296. The third set of arcuate slots 296 and the fourth set of arcuate slots 300 may be defined concentrically with the second aperture 288 around the second axis "X2" to facilitate selective positioning (e.g., by rotation) of the second bracket 216 relative to the first bracket 212 in a plurality of second positions around the second axis "X2". As used herein, the term "second position" may be defined as any 360-degree position or location around the second axis "X2".

[0031] The second bracket 216 will now be discussed. The second bracket 216 includes a first portion 312 and a second portion 316. The first portion 312 may be embodied as a base plate 320 that defines a fifth surface 324 and a sixth surface 328 that is opposite the fifth surface 324. In this embodiment, when the second bracket 216 is coupled to the first bracket 212, the fifth surface 324 faces outwardly away from the third surface 248 of the first bracket 212, and the sixth surface 328 faces inwardly toward the third surface 248 of the first bracket 212 (see Figure 4 In other embodiments, when the second bracket 216 is coupled to the first bracket 212 , the fifth surface 324 may face inwardly away from the fourth surface 252 of the first bracket 212 , and the sixth surface 328 may face outwardly toward the fourth surface 252 of the first bracket 212 .

[0032] Additionally, the first portion 312 may define an aperture 332 (at Figure 4 The aperture 332 and the through hole 336 may each extend between the fifth surface 324 and the sixth surface 328. The aperture 332 and the through hole 336 may be spaced apart from one another. In the present embodiment, four through holes 336 (two on each side of the aperture 332) are defined on the first portion 312 of the second bracket 216.

[0033] The second portion 316 extends from the first portion 312. For example, the second portion 316 may include two side panels, namely, a first side panel 340 and a second side panel 344 extending from both ends of the base plate 320 (or the first portion 312). Although not limited, each of the first side panel 340 and the second side panel 344 may be a substantially planar component. The first side panel 340 and the second side panel 344 may be parallel to and spaced apart from each other. Both the first side panel 340 and the second side panel 344 may extend perpendicular to the base plate 320, and in doing so, the arrangement of the side panels 340, 344 and the base plate 320 may impart a U-shaped profile to the second bracket 216. In addition, the base plate 320, the side panels 340, 344 may define an opening 348 in combination, the opening being configured to enclose at least a portion of the visual perception device 144 connected to the second bracket 216.

[0034] The second portion 316 defines a third slotted structure 352. In this embodiment, the first side plate 340 defines a third slotted structure 352', and the second side plate 344 defines a third slotted structure 352'. The third slotted structure 352' defined at the first side plate 340 will now be discussed. The third slotted structure 352' includes a third aperture 356 and one or more third slots 360 (see Figure 4 ).

[0035] The third orifice 356 defines a third axis "X3" that is disposed at an angle relative to the first axis "X1" and the second axis "X2". In the present embodiment, the third axis "X3" is disposed substantially orthogonally relative to the first axis "X1" and the second axis "X2", respectively. The term "substantially orthogonally" means that the angle between the third axis "X3" and the first axis "X1" and the angle between the third axis "X3" and the second axis "X2" are close to right angles, unless there is an angle difference that may occur due to manufacturing tolerances in actual applications. In addition, the third orifice 356 extends through the first side plate 340 along the third axis "X3".

[0036] The third slot 360 may include a fifth arcuate slot 364 defined concentrically with the third aperture 356 about the third axis "X3" to facilitate selective positioning (e.g., by rotation) of the visual perception device 144 relative to the second bracket 216 at a plurality of third positions about the third axis "X3". As used herein, the term "third position" may be defined as any 360-degree position or location about the third axis "X3".

[0037] In other embodiments, a plurality of fifth arcuate slots similar in configuration and construction to the fifth arcuate slots 364 may be defined at the first side plate 340. The third slotted structure 352' defined at the second side plate 344 is similar in configuration and construction to the third slotted structure 352' and will not be discussed. In other embodiments, the third slotted structure 352 may be defined at either the first side plate 340 or the second side plate 344.

[0038] The first coupling mechanism 220 will now be discussed. The first coupling mechanism 220 may include one or more first fasteners 368 and a first coupler 372. In the present embodiment, the first coupling mechanism 220 includes two first fasteners 368, namely, a first fastener 368' and a first fastener 368''. In other embodiments, the first coupling mechanism 220 may include a greater or lesser number of first fasteners 368. The first coupler 372 may define a head plate 376 and a threaded shank portion 380. The head plate 376 may have a flat shape. The head plate 376 may define one or more first through holes 384. In the present embodiment, the head plate 376 includes two first through holes, namely, a first through hole 384' and a first through hole 384''. The threaded shank portion 380 may be upright and extend away from the head plate 376.

[0039] The first coupling mechanism 220 is configured to engage the first slotted structure 256 of the first bracket 212 with the structure 140' to couple the first bracket 212 to the structure 140' at a first position of a plurality of first positions about the first axis "X1". To this end, the threaded shank portion 380 (of the first coupler 372) can pass through the corresponding aperture 196 of the structure 140' and can be received and axially secured (via the nut 388) using the first aperture 264 of the first bracket 212. Subsequently, the first fastener 368' can pass through the corresponding arcuate slot 280 (of the first set of arcuate slots 272) and the through hole 200' in the structure 140', and can be correspondingly received and secured within the first through hole 384' of the first coupler 372 (via the nut 392). Similarly, the first fastener 368`` can pass through the corresponding arcuate slot 284 (of the second set of arcuate slots 276) and the through hole 200` in the structure 140`, and can be correspondingly received and secured in the first through hole 384`` of the first connector 372 (via the nut 396).

[0040] The second coupling mechanism 224 will now be discussed. The second coupling mechanism 224 may include one or more second fasteners 400 and a second coupler 404. In the present embodiment, the second coupling mechanism 224 includes two second fasteners 400, namely, a second fastener 400` and a second fastener 400`. In other embodiments, the second coupling mechanism 224 may include a greater or lesser number of second fasteners 400. The second coupler 404 may define a head plate 408 and a threaded shank portion 412. The head plate 408 may have a flat shape. The head plate 408 may define one or more second through holes 416. In the present embodiment, the head plate 408 includes two second through holes, namely, a second through hole 416` and a second through hole 416`. The threaded shank portion 412 may be upright and extend away from the head plate 408.

[0041] The second coupling mechanism 224 is configured to engage the first portion 312 of the second bracket 216 with the second slotted structure 260 (of the first bracket 212) to couple the first portion 312 of the second bracket 216 to the first bracket 212 at a second position of a plurality of second positions about the second axis "X2". To this end, the threaded shank portion 412 (of the second coupler 404) can pass through the corresponding aperture 332 of the first portion 312 and can be received and axially secured using the second aperture 288 of the first bracket 212 (via the nut 420). Subsequently, the second fastener 400' can pass through the corresponding arcuate slot 304 (of the third set of arcuate slots 296) and the through hole 336 in the first portion 312 of the second bracket 216, and can be correspondingly received and secured using the second through hole 416' of the second coupler 404 (via the nut 424). Similarly, the second fastener 400`` can pass through the corresponding arched slot 308 (of the fourth set of arched slots 300) and the through hole 336 in the first portion 312 of the second bracket 216, and can be correspondingly received and fixed using the second through hole 416`` of the second connector 404 (via the nut 428).

[0042] The third coupling mechanism 228 will now be discussed. The third coupling mechanism 228 may include one or more third fasteners 432 and one or more fourth fasteners 436. In the present embodiment, the third coupling mechanism 228 includes a third fastener 432 and a fourth fastener 436 configured to engage the visual perception device 144 with a third slotted structure 352' defined in the first side panel 340 of the second portion 316. Similarly, the third coupling mechanism 228 may include a third fastener 432' and a fourth fastener 436' configured to engage the visual perception device 144 with a third slotted structure 352' defined in the second side panel 344 of the second portion 316.

[0043] In addition, the third coupling mechanism 228 is configured to couple the visual perception device 144 to the second portion 316 of the second bracket 216 at a third position among a plurality of third positions about the third axis "X3". To this end, the third fastener 432 can pass through the third aperture 356 (defined in the first side plate 340) and can be received and secured using the first threaded hole 440 defined at the visual perception device 144, and the fourth fastener 436 can pass through the fifth arcuate slot 364 (defined in the first side plate 340) and can be received and secured using the second threaded hole 444 defined at the visual perception device 144. Similarly, the third fastener 432' and the fourth fastener 436' can be secured to their corresponding threaded holes formed on the visual perception device 144.

[0044] It is contemplated that the machine 100 may include a plurality of bracket assemblies similar in configuration and construction to the bracket assembly 208, each bracket assembly being configured to mount a corresponding visual sensing device 144 at a different location (or portion) of the machine 100. For example, Figure 1 As shown in , another bracket assembly 208' (similar to bracket assembly 208) can facilitate mounting another visual perception device 144' (similar to visual perception device 144) toward the front portion 164 of the operator's cab 136 and oriented at a desired angle to the top plate portion 180 to obtain a desired visual feed of the external environment of the machine 100 from the front portion 164 of the operator's cab 136. In another example, yet another bracket assembly 208'' (similar to bracket assembly 208) can facilitate mounting yet another visual perception device 144'' (similar to visual perception device 144) toward the rear portion 168 of the operator's cab 136 and oriented at another desired angle to the top plate portion 180 to obtain another desired visual feed of the external environment of the machine 100 from the rear portion 168 of the operator's cab 136. In yet another instance, another bracket assembly 208``` (similar to bracket assembly 208 ) can facilitate mounting yet another visual sensing device 144``` (similar to visual sensing device 144 ) to the hood 156 and orienting it at a desired angle to obtain another desired visual feed of the external environment of the machine 100 from the hood 156 of the machine 100 .

[0045] Industrial Applicability

[0046] An exemplary method of mounting the visual sensing device 144 to the structure 140' of the machine 100 by utilizing the bracket assembly 208 will be discussed. Initially, the visual sensing device 144 is mounted to the second portion 316 of the second bracket 216 (i.e., to the first side plate 340 and the second side plate 344) at a third position among a plurality of third positions about the third axis "X3". To this end, the visual sensing device 144 is disposed within the opening 348 (defined between the first side plate 340 and the second side plate 344) such that the first threaded hole 440 and the second threaded hole 444 of the visual sensing device 144 are aligned with their corresponding third apertures 356 and fifth arcuate slots 364 defined at the first side plate 340. Subsequently, the third fastener 432 is passed through the third aperture 356 and is (loosely) received and secured using the first threaded hole 440 of the visual sensing device 144. In addition, the fourth fastener 436 passes through the fifth arcuate slot 364 and is (loosely) received and secured within the second threaded hole 444 of the visual perception device 144.

[0047] Once the visual perception device 144 is loosely mounted to the second portion 316 of the second bracket 216, the visual perception device 144 can be rotated about the third axis "X3" to reach the third position. Next, the third fastener 432 and the fourth fastener 436 are tightly fixed to the corresponding first threaded hole 440 and the second threaded hole 444 of the visual perception device 144. In a similar manner, the visual perception device 144 can be fixed to the second side plate 344 of the second bracket 216 via the third fastener 432' and the fourth fastener 436'.

[0048] In addition, the second bracket 216, together with the visual perception device 144, is mounted to the first bracket 212 at a second position among a plurality of second positions about the second axis "X2". To this end, the first portion 312 of the second bracket 216 is engaged with the second slotted structure 260 (defined at the second segment 236 of the first bracket 212) in a manner such that the sixth surface 328 (of the first portion 312) abuts against the third surface 248 of the second segment 236, and such that the orifice 332 (of the first portion 312) is aligned with the corresponding second orifice 288 (of the second slotted structure 260). Subsequently, the threaded shank portion 412 (of the second coupler 404) passes through the corresponding orifice 332 of the first portion 312 and is loosely received and axially fixed (via the nut 420) using the second orifice 288 of the first bracket 212. Next, the first portion 312 can be rotated about the second axis "X2" to reach the second position. In the second position, the through-hole 336 (in the first portion 312 ) may be aligned with its corresponding arcuate slot 304 (of the third set of arcuate slots 296 ) and the arcuate slot 308 (of the fourth set of arcuate slots 300 ).

[0049] Once the first portion 312 (of the second bracket 216) together with the visual perception device 144 is in the second position about the second axis "X2", the threaded shank portion 412 is tightly fixed to the second orifice 288 of the first bracket 212. Subsequently, the second fastener 400' passes through the corresponding arcuate slot 304 and the through hole 336, and is correspondingly received and fixed in the second through hole 416' of the second connector 404 (via the nut 424). In addition, the second fastener 400'' passes through the corresponding arcuate slot 308 (of the fourth set of arcuate slots 300) and the through hole 336, and is correspondingly received and fixed in the second through hole 416'' of the second connector 404 (via the nut 428).

[0050] In addition, the first bracket 212 (coupled to the second bracket 216 having the visual perception device 144 mounted thereon) is mounted to the second section 188 of the structure 140' at a first position of a plurality of first positions about the first axis "X1". To this end, the first segment 232 of the first bracket 212 is engaged with the second segment 188 of the structure 140' in a manner such that the second surface 244 (of the first segment 232) abuts against the second segment 188 and such that the first orifice 264 (of the first bracket 212) is aligned with the corresponding orifice 196 of the structure 140'. Subsequently, the threaded shank portion 380 (of the first coupler 372) passes through the corresponding orifice 196 of the structure 140' and is loosely received and axially secured (via the nut 388) using the first orifice 264 of the first bracket 212. Next, the first bracket 212 can be rotated about the first axis "X1" to reach the first position. In the first position, the first through-hole 384 ′ and the first through-hole 384 ″ (in the structure 140 ) may be aligned with their corresponding arcuate slots 280 (in the first set of arcuate slots 272 ) and the arcuate slots 284 (in the second set of arcuate slots 276 ).

[0051] Once the first bracket 212 is in the first position about the first axis "X1", the threaded shank portion 380 is tightly fixed to the first aperture 264 of the first bracket 212. Subsequently, the first fastener 368' passes through the arcuate slot 280 and the through hole 200' in the structure 140, respectively, and is received and fixed (via the nut 392) in the first through hole 384' of the first coupler 372. In addition, the first fastener 368'' passes through the arcuate slot 284 and the through hole 200'' in the structure 140, respectively, and is received and fixed (via the nut 396) in the first through hole 384'' of the first coupler 372.

[0052] The order of the above-described steps for installing the visual perception device 144 to the structure 140' of the machine 100 is not intended to be construed as limiting, and any number of the above-described steps may be combined in any order and / or in parallel as needed and as desired during operation of the machine 100.

[0053] As discussed above, the bracket assembly 208 facilitates the visual perception device 144 to be mounted at any desired position (e.g., a first position, a second position, and a third position) relative to the three axes (i.e., the first axis "X1", the second axis "X2", and the third axis "X3"). Thus, the bracket assembly 208 provides the flexibility to easily mount (or adjust) the visual perception device 144 at any desired angle relative to at least one of the pitch axis, the yaw axis, and the roll axis associated with the machine 100 as needed and when desired.

[0054] In an exemplary scenario, an operator may adjust the first bracket 212 and the second bracket 216 (of at least one of the bracket assemblies 208, 208', 208'', 208''') relative to at least one of the pitch axis, the yaw axis, and the roll axis to properly align the horizon (or implement 132) displayed on the video feed provided by the visual perception device 144, 144', 144'', 144'''. Such alignment of the video feed may reduce the likelihood of operator fatigue, which often occurs from viewing an improperly aligned video feed during or after an operating period. Additionally, the implementation of the bracket assemblies 208, 208`, 208``, 208``` for mounting the visual perception devices 144, 144`, 144``, 144``` can eliminate the possibility of any loss or alteration of visual data (associated with the surrounding environment of the machine) that might occur if the video stream (or image) provided by the visual perception devices 144, 144`, 144``, 144``` was digitally modified.

[0055] In addition, the bracket assembly 208 alleviates (or eliminates) the requirement to install different mounting hardware (e.g., brackets of different shapes and configurations) for mounting the visual sensing device at different locations on the machine 100. For example, the bracket assembly 208 used to mount the visual sensing device 144 to the structure 140 attached to the left side portion 172 of the operator's cab 136 can also be used to mount a visual sensing device (similar to the visual sensing device 144) to the top plate portion 180 of the operator's cab 136. This may help to reduce overall costs. In addition, the bracket assembly 208 is suitable for mounting visual sensing devices (similar to the visual sensing device 144) to different types of machines (i.e., machines with different shapes, sizes, and configurations).

[0056] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the bracket assembly of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art by consideration of the specification and practice of the bracket assembly disclosed herein. The specification and examples should be considered as exemplary only, and the true scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims below and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A bracket assembly (208) for mounting a visual perception device (144) to a structure (140) of a mobile construction machine (100), the bracket assembly (208) comprising: a first bracket (212) selectively positionable relative to the structure (140) in a plurality of first positions, the plurality of first positions being defined about a first axis (X1); as well as A second bracket (216), the second bracket defining: a first portion (312) selectively positionable relative to the first bracket (212) in a plurality of second positions, the plurality of second positions being defined about a second axis (X2), and A second portion (316) extends from the first portion (312), and the second portion (316) facilitates the selective positioning of the visual perception device (144) relative to the second portion (316) in a plurality of third positions, wherein the plurality of third positions are defined around a third axis (X3).

2. The bracket assembly (208) of claim 1, wherein the first axis (X1), the second axis (X2), and the third axis (X3) are disposed substantially orthogonally relative to each other.

3. A bracket assembly (208) according to claim 1, wherein the first bracket (212) defines a first slotted structure (256), the first slotted structure includes a first orifice (264) defining the first axis (X1) and one or more first grooves (268) defined around the first orifice (264) around the first axis (X1), and the bracket assembly (208) also includes a first coupling mechanism (220), the first coupling mechanism engages the structure (140) with the first slotted structure (256) to couple the first bracket (212) at a first position among the plurality of first positions.

4. The bracket assembly (208) of claim 3, wherein the one or more first slots (268) include a first group of arcuate slots (272) and a second group of arcuate slots (276), and wherein the first group of arcuate slots (272) and the second group of arcuate slots (276) are defined concentrically with the first orifice (264) around the first axis (X1) to selectively position the first bracket (212) at the plurality of first positions around the first axis (X1).

5. The bracket assembly (208) of claim 3, wherein the first coupling mechanism (220) includes one or more first fasteners (368) and a first coupler (372), the first coupler defining a head plate (376) having one or more first through holes (384) and a threaded shank portion (380) extending from the head plate (376), wherein to couple the first bracket (212) to the structure (140) at the first position: The threaded shank portion (380) passes through a corresponding aperture (196) of the structure (140) and is received and axially secured by the first aperture (264), and The one or more first fasteners (368) pass through the one or more first slots (268) and the one or more through holes (200) in the structure (140) respectively, and are received and fixed in the one or more first through holes (384) of the first connector (372) respectively.

6. A bracket assembly (208) according to claim 1, wherein the first bracket (212) defines a second slotted structure (260), the second slotted structure includes a second orifice (288) defining the second axis (X2) and one or more second grooves (292) defined around the second orifice (288) around the second axis (X2), and the bracket assembly (208) also includes a second coupling mechanism (224), the second coupling mechanism is used to engage the first portion (312) of the second bracket (216) with the second slotted structure (260) to connect the first portion (312) of the second bracket (216) to the first bracket (212) at a second position among the plurality of second positions.

7. A bracket assembly (208) according to claim 6, wherein the one or more second grooves (292) include a third group of arcuate grooves (296) and a fourth group of arcuate grooves (300), and wherein the third group of arcuate grooves (296) and the fourth group of arcuate grooves (300) are defined concentrically with the second orifice (288) around the second axis (X2) to selectively position the first portion (312) of the second bracket (216) at the plurality of second positions around the second axis (X2).

8. The bracket assembly (208) of claim 6, wherein the second coupling mechanism (224) includes one or more second fasteners (400) and a second coupler (404), the second coupler defining a head plate (408) having one or more second through holes (416) and a threaded shank portion (412) extending from the head plate (376), wherein to couple the first portion (312) of the second bracket (216) to the first bracket (212) at the second position: The threaded shank portion (412) passes through a corresponding aperture (332) of the first portion (312) of the second bracket (216) and is received and axially secured by the second aperture (288), and The one or more second fasteners (400) pass through the one or more second slots (292) and the one or more through holes (336) in the first portion (312) of the second bracket (216) respectively, and are received and fixed in the one or more second through holes (416) of the second connector (404) respectively.

9. The bracket assembly (208) of claim 1, wherein the second portion (316) of the second bracket (216) defines a third slotted structure (352), the third slotted structure comprising a third aperture (356) defining the third axis (X3) and one or more third slots (360) defined around the third aperture (356) around the third axis (X3), the one or more third slots (360) comprising a third aperture (356) concentrically defined around the third axis (X3) and the third aperture (356). The bracket assembly (208) further comprises a fifth arcuate groove (364) for selectively positioning the visual perception device (144) in the plurality of third positions around the third axis (X3), the bracket assembly (208) further comprising a third connecting mechanism (228) for engaging the visual perception device (144) with the third slotted structure (352) to connect the visual perception device (144) to the second portion (316) of the second bracket (216) at a third position among the plurality of third positions.

10. The bracket assembly (208) of claim 9, wherein the third coupling mechanism (228) comprises one or more third fasteners (432) and one or more fourth fasteners (436), wherein to couple the visual perception device (144) to the second portion (316) of the second bracket (216) at the third position: The one or more third fasteners (432) pass through the third aperture (356) and are received and secured within one or more first threaded holes (440) defined at the visual perception device (144), and The one or more fourth fasteners (436) pass through the one or more third slots (360) respectively, and are received and fixed in one or more second threaded holes (444) defined at the visual perception device (144).

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