MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING VISUAL PERCEPTION DEVICES ON A MOBILE CONSTRUCTION MACHINE

Abstract

The mounting assembly (208) for mounting a visual perception device (144) on a structure (140) of a mobile construction machine (100) comprises a first mounting (212) and a second mounting (216). The first mounting (212) can be selectively positioned in a plurality of first positions relative to the structure (140). The plurality of first positions is defined about a first axis (X1). The second mounting (216) defines a first section (312) and a second section (316). The first section (312) can be selectively positioned in a plurality of second positions relative to the first mounting (212). The plurality of second positions is defined about a second axis (X2). The second section (316) extends from the first section (312). The second section (316) allows the visual perception device (144) to be selectively positioned in a plurality of third positions relative to the second section (316).The multitude of third positions is positioned around a third axis (X3).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to visual perception devices in mobile construction machines. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a mounting assembly for mounting a visual perception device on a mobile construction machine. State of the art

[0002] Mobile construction equipment such as wheel loaders, excavators, compactors, pavers, off-highway trucks, bulldozers, motor graders, and other types of equipment are known for performing a variety of construction or earthmoving tasks. Such a mobile construction machine may be equipped with one or more visual perception devices, such as a camera, to enable monitoring of the machine's surroundings during operation. Generally, the visual perception devices are mounted on the mobile construction machine to capture video feeds of the machine's surroundings via a display screen and collectively provide them to a machine operator. One way in which some of the visual perception devices may be mounted may cause the corresponding video feeds to be inappropriately oriented for comfortable viewing by the operator.

[0003] US Patent Application No. 2015 / 0077614 discloses a video imaging system for use in various applications, such as medical / surgical imaging, mechanical 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: a vertical yaw axis, a horizontal roll axis, and a horizontal pitch axis, with all three axes intersecting at a common point. Brief description of the invention

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

[0005] In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a mobile construction machine. The mobile construction machine includes a structure, a visual perception device, and a support assembly. The structure extends outwardly to a lateral side of the mobile construction machine. The visual perception device is configured to receive a visual feed of an external environment of the mobile construction machine from the lateral side of the mobile construction machine. The support assembly is configured to mount the visual perception device to the structure. The support assembly includes a first support and a second support. The first support is selectively positionable in a plurality of first positions relative to the structure. The plurality of first positions are defined about a first axis. The second support defines a first portion and a second portion.The first portion is selectively positionable in a plurality of second positions relative to the first mount. The plurality of second positions are defined about a second axis. The second portion extends from the first portion. The second portion enables selective positioning of the visual perception device in a plurality of third positions relative to the second portion. The plurality of third positions are positioned about a third axis. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary mobile construction machine with visual perception devices mounted thereon according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket assembly for mounting a visual perception device to a structure of the machine, as viewed toward a lateral side of the mobile construction machine, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the support assembly as viewed from the lateral side of the mobile construction machine, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the bracket assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0006] Reference will now be made in detail to specific embodiments or features, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In general, corresponding reference numerals may be used throughout the drawings to refer to like or corresponding parts; for example, 1, 1', 1'', 101, and 201 may refer to one or more comparable components used in the same and / or different illustrated embodiments.

[0007] With reference to Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary mobile construction machine 100 (hereinafter referred to as "machine 100"). The machine 100 may be operated on a construction site, which may include a mine, a landfill, a quarry, a construction site, or another type of construction site. The machine 100 is embodied as a wheel loader 100'. Alternatively, the machine 100 may also be embodied as a dump truck, loader, excavator, cold planer, off-highway truck, and / or the like. Furthermore, the machine 100 may be a manned machine or an unmanned machine.

[0008] 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 an arrow "A"), wherein the direction of travel is defined from the rear end 108 toward the front end 104. The machine 100 may also include two lateral sides, i.e., 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 arranged transversely to the exemplary direction of travel "A" of the machine 100. Furthermore, the machine 100 includes a frame 120, one or more ground engaging elements 124, a drive system 128, an implement 132, an operator cab 136, a structure 140, and a visual perception device 144 (shown in Fig. 2). The frame 120 may house and / or support the drive system 128, the work implement 132, and the operator's cab 136, although other known components may also be supported by the frame 120. The ground engaging elements 124 may support the frame 120 (or the machine 100) and propel it from one location to another during operation. The ground engaging elements 124 may include a set of front wheels 148 and a set of rear wheels 152. In some embodiments, the ground engaging elements 124 may include tracks (not shown) provided either alone or in combination with the wheels 148, 152.

[0009] The drive system 128 may include a power compartment 156 (or a vent hood 156) and a power source (not shown), such as an internal combustion engine, provided within the power compartment 156. The power source may be configured to operate various systems on the machine 100, typically by combusting fuel. Optionally, the drive system 128 may also include an electrical power source, which may be used either alone or in combination with the internal combustion engine. The work implement 132 may be connected to the frame 120 via a linkage assembly 160. In the present embodiment, the work implement 132 is embodied as a bucket 132' configured to perform one or more work operations, such as loading, stacking, dumping, and the like.

[0010] The operator cab 136 may occupy a position between the work implement 132 and the power compartment 156. The operator cab 136 may accommodate one or more operators to monitor the operation of the machine 100. The operator cab 136 may also house various components and controls of the machine 100, where access to one or more of these components may assist operators in controlling the movement and / or operation of the machine. For example, the various components and controls of the machine 100 may include one or more steering wheels, touchscreens, displays, joysticks, switches, etc., to facilitate an operator's operation of the machine 100 and the work implement 132.

[0011] The operator cab 136 may include a front portion 164, a rear portion 168, a left portion 172, a right portion 176, and a roof 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 the direction of travel "A" of the machine 100. Also, the front portion 164 and the rear portion may be spaced apart from each other. The front portion 164 may be disposed proximally with respect to the front end 104 and distally with respect to the rear end 108 of the machine 100. The rear portion 168 may be disposed proximally with respect to the rear end 108 and distally with respect to the front end 104 of the machine 100.

[0012] The left portion 172 and a right portion 176 may be arranged transversely with respect to the direction of travel "A" of the machine 100. The left portion 172 may be laterally opposite the right portion 176. The left portion 172 may be arranged toward the first lateral side 112 of the machine 100 and the right portion 176 may be arranged toward the second lateral side 116 of the machine 100, as viewed from the rear end 108 toward the front end 104 of the machine 100. The roof 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. Also, the roof portion 180 may extend between the left portion 172 and the right portion 176 transversely with respect to the direction of travel "A" of the machine 100.

[0013] Two structures 140 - ie a structure 140' and a structure 140" - are attached to the machine 100. The structure 140' is described with reference to Fig. 2. The structure 140' may define a first region 184, a second region 188, and a third region 192. The first region 184 may be plate-shaped and have a generally elongated profile. The first region 184 may extend between the second region 188 and the third region 192. In this way, the second region 188 and the third region 192 may be arranged at either end of the first region 184. The second region 188 and the third region 192 may be arranged at an angle with respect to the first region 184. In the present embodiment, the second region 188 and the third region 192 are arranged at right angles with respect to the first region 184 to give the structure 140 a C-shaped profile. The structure 140 further includes an opening 196 and one or more through-holes 200 defined in the second region 188 (see Fig. 4). In the present embodiment, two through-holes 200, ie, a through-hole 200' and a through-hole 200", are defined in the second region 188 of the structure.

[0014] The structure 140' may be mounted anywhere on the machine 100. In the present embodiment, the structure 140' is mounted on the left portion 172 of the operator's cab 136. Accordingly, the structure 140' extends outwardly from the left portion 172 toward the first lateral side 112 of the machine 100 (as shown in Fig. 1). In other embodiments, the structure 140' may be attached to the roof portion 180 of the operator cab 136 or the vent hood 156.

[0015] The structure 140" may be attached to the right portion 176 of the operator cab 136. The structure 140" may extend outwardly from the right portion 176 toward the second lateral side 116 of the machine 100. The structure 140" may be similar in construction and configuration to the structure 140 and is therefore not discussed.

[0016] The visual perception device 144 may be configured to receive visual feeds (or image data), such as still images, video feeds, time-lapse sequences, etc., associated with one or more views of the machine 100 and its surroundings. In the present embodiment, the visual perception device 144 embodies a camera 204 configured to receive visual feeds of the machine 100 and / or an external environment of the machine 100 from the first lateral side 112 of the machine 100.

[0017] Camera 204 may be a monochrome digital camera, a high-resolution digital camera, or any suitable digital camera. Furthermore, camera 204 may include, without limitation, a still camera, a camcorder, a video camera, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera, and the like. Camera 204 may also include optical flow chips that enable image capture. In some examples, camera 204 may be a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera.

[0018] It is contemplated that the visual perception device 144 could alternatively embody another type of perception device, such as LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) devices, RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging) devices, SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) devices, thermal scanners, and / or other types of devices for obtaining optics associated with one or more views of the machine 100 and its surroundings.

[0019] With reference to Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the machine 100 includes a support assembly 208. The support assembly 208 enables mounting of a visual perception device 144 (or the camera 204) on the machine 100. The support assembly 208 is configured, for example, to mount the visual perception device 144 on the structure 140' of the machine 100. The support assembly 208 includes a first support 212, a second support 216, a first linkage mechanism 220, a second linkage mechanism 224, and a third linkage mechanism 228. Details regarding the first support 212, the second support 216, the first linkage mechanism 220, the second linkage mechanism 224, and the third linkage mechanism 228 will now be explained.

[0020] The first bracket 212 may define a first segment 232 and a second segment 236. The first segment 232 may define a first surface 240 and a second surface 244 opposite the first surface 240. In the present embodiment, the first surface 240 faces outwardly away from the second portion 188 of the structure 140', and the second surface 244 faces inwardly toward the second portion 188 of the structure 140' when the first bracket 212 is coupled to the structure 140' (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0021] The second segment 236 may be angled with respect to the first segment 232. In the present embodiment, the second segment 236 extends perpendicular to the first segment 232 to provide an L-shaped profile to the first bracket 212. The second segment 236 may define a third surface 248 and a fourth surface 252. In the present embodiment, the third surface 248 faces outwardly away from the left portion 172 of the operator cab 136, and the fourth surface 252 faces inwardly toward the left portion 172 of the operator cab 136 when the first bracket 212 is coupled to the structure 140' (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3).

[0022] Further, the first bracket 212 defines a first slotted structure 256 and a second slotted structure 260. The first slotted structure 256 may be defined on the first segment 232 of the first bracket 212. The first slotted structure 256 includes a first opening 264 and one or more first slots 268 (see Fig. 4). The first opening 264 defines a first axis 'X1'. The first opening 264 extends between the first surface 240 and the second surface 244 of the first segment 232 along the first axis 'X1'.

[0023] The first slots 268 may be defined around the first opening 264 about 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 opening 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 opening 264 about the first axis 'X1' to enable selective positioning (e.g.,by rotating) the first mount 212 in a plurality of first positions about the first axis 'X1' with respect to the structure 140 (and / or the machine 100). As used herein, the term "first position" may be defined as any 360-degree position or orientation about the first axis 'X1'.

[0024] The second slotted structure 260 may be defined on the second segment 236 of the first bracket 212. The second slotted structure 260 includes a second opening 288 and one or more second slots 292 (see Fig. 4). The second opening 288 defines a second axis 'X2' that is angularly disposed with respect to the first axis 'X1'. In the present embodiment, the second axis 'X2' is substantially orthogonal with respect to the first axis 'X1'. The term "substantially orthogonal" means that an angle between the first axis 'X1' and the second axis 'X2' is approximately a right angle, except for angle differences that may occur due to manufacturing tolerances in practical applications. The second opening 288 extends between the third surface 248 and the fourth surface 252 of the second segment 236 along the second axis 'X2'.

[0025] The second slots 292 may be defined around the second opening 288 about the second axis 'X2'. The second slots 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 opening 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 opening 288 about the second axis 'X2' to enable selective positioning (e.g., by rotation) of the second bracket 216 in a plurality of second positions about the second axis 'X2' with respect to the first bracket 212.As used herein, the term "second position" may be defined as any 360-degree position or orientation about the second axis 'X2'.

[0026] The second mount 216 will now be explained. The second mount 216 includes a first portion 312 and a second portion 316. The first portion 312 may be configured as a base plate 320 defining a fifth surface 324 and a sixth surface 328 opposite the fifth surface 324. In the present embodiment, the fifth surface 324 faces outwardly away from the third surface 248 of the first mount 212, and the sixth surface 328 faces inwardly toward the third surface 248 of the first mount 212 when the second mount 216 is coupled to the first mount 212 (see Fig. 4). In other embodiments, the fifth surface 324 may face inward from the fourth surface 252 of the first bracket 212, and the sixth surface 328 may face outward toward the fourth surface 252 of the first bracket 212 when the second bracket 216 is coupled to the first bracket 212.

[0027] Furthermore, the first section 312 may have an opening 332 (in Fig. 4 by a cutaway portion "C" of the second section) and define one or more through-holes 336. Each of the opening 332 and the through-holes 336 may extend between the fifth surface 324 and the sixth surface 328. The opening 332 and the through-holes 336 may be spaced apart from each other. In the present embodiment, four through-holes 336, two on each side of the opening 332, are defined in the first portion 312 of the second bracket 216.

[0028] The second portion 316 extends from the first portion 312. The second portion 316 may, for example, include two side plates—i.e., a first side plate 340 and a second side plate 344—extending from the second end of the base plate 320 (or the first portion 312). Although not limited, each of the first side plate 340 and the second side plate 344 may be a substantially flat-shaped component. The first side plate 340 and the second side plate 344 may be parallel and spaced apart from each other. Both the first side plate 340 and the second side plate 344 may extend perpendicular to the base plate 320, wherein an arrangement of the side plates 340, 344 and the base plate 320 may impart a U-shaped profile to the second bracket 216.Furthermore, the base plate 320 and the side plates 340, 344 together may define an opening 348 configured to enclose at least a portion of the visual perception device 144 connected to the second mount 216.

[0029] The second portion 316 defines a third slotted structure 352. In the present 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 on the first side plate 340 will now be explained. The third slotted structure 352' includes a third opening 356 and one or more third slots 360 (see Fig. 4).

[0030] The third opening 356 defines a third axis 'X3' that is angularly arranged with respect to the first axis 'X1' and the second axis 'X2'. In the present embodiment, the third axis 'X3' is substantially orthogonal with respect to the first axis 'X1' and the second axis 'X2', respectively. The term "substantially orthogonal" means that an angle between the third axis 'X3' and the first axis 'X1' and an angle between the third axis 'X3' and the second axis 'X2' is approximately a right angle, except for angle differences that may occur due to manufacturing tolerances in practical applications. Furthermore, the third opening 356 extends through the first side plate 340 along the third axis 'X3'.

[0031] The third slots 360 may include a fifth arcuate slot 364 defined concentrically with the third opening 356 about the third axis 'X3' to enable selective positioning (e.g., by rotation) of the visual perception device 144 in a plurality of second positions about the third axis 'X3' with respect to the second mount 216. As used herein, the term "third position" may be defined as any 360-degree position or orientation about the third axis 'X3'.

[0032] In other embodiments, a plurality of fifth arcuate slots similar in structure and configuration to the fifth arcuate slot 364 may be defined on the first side plate 340. The third slotted structure 352'' defined on the second side plate 344 is similar in structure and configuration to the third slotted structure 352' and is therefore not discussed. In other embodiments, the third slotted structure 352 may be defined on either the first side plate 340 or the second side plate 344.

[0033] The first connection mechanism 220 will now be explained. The first connection mechanism 220 may include one or more first fastening elements 368 and a first connecting element 372. In the present embodiment, the first connection mechanism 220 includes two first fastening elements 368, i.e., a first fastening element 368' and a first fastening element 368". In other embodiments, the first connection mechanism 220 may include a greater or fewer number of first fastening elements 368. The first connecting element 372 may define a head plate 376 and threaded shaft 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—i.e., a first through-hole 384' and a first through-hole 384".The threaded shaft portion 380 may extend upright and away from the head plate 376. The first connection mechanism 220 is configured to engage the first slotted structure 256 of the first bracket 212 with the structure 140' to position the first bracket 212 with the structure 140' in a first of the plurality of first positions about the first axis 'X1'. To this end, the threaded shaft portion 380 (of the first connecting element 372) may be passed through the corresponding opening 196 of the structure 140' and received (via a nut 388) in the first opening 264 of the first bracket 212 and axially secured.The first fastener 368' can then be passed through the corresponding arcuate slot 280 (of the first set of arcuate slots 272) and the through-hole 200' in the structure 140' and correspondingly received and secured (via a nut 392) in the first through-hole 384' of the first connecting element 372. Similarly, the first fastener 368" can be passed through the corresponding arcuate slot 284 (of the second set of arcuate slots 276) and the through-hole 200" in the structure 140' and correspondingly received and secured (via a nut 396) in the first through-hole 384" of the first connecting element 372.

[0034] The second connection mechanism 224 will now be explained. The second connection mechanism 224 may include one or more second fastening elements 400 and a second connecting element 404. In the present embodiment, the second connection mechanism 224 includes two second fastening elements 400, i.e., a second fastening element 400' and a second fastening element 400". In other embodiments, the second connection mechanism 224 may include a greater or fewer number of second fastening elements 400. The second connecting element 404 may define a head plate 408 and threaded shaft 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—i.e., a second through-hole 416' and a second through-hole 416".The threaded shaft portion 412 may extend upright and away from the head plate 408.

[0035] The second connection 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 position the first portion 312 of the second bracket 216 with the first bracket 212 at a second of the plurality of second positions about the second axis 'X2'. To this end, the threaded shaft portion 412 (of the second connecting element 404) can be passed through the corresponding opening 332 of the first portion 312 and received in the second opening 288 of the first bracket 212 and axially secured (via a nut 420).The second fastening element 400' can then be passed 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 correspondingly received and secured (via a nut 424) in the second through-hole 416' of the second connecting element 404. Similarly, the second fastening element 400" can be passed through the corresponding arcuate slot 308 (of the fourth set of arcuate slots 300) and the through-hole 336 in the first portion 312 of the second bracket 216 and correspondingly received and secured (via a nut 428) in the second through-hole 416" of the second connecting element 404.

[0036] The third connection mechanism 228 will now be explained. The third connection mechanism 228 may include one or more third fastening elements 432 and one or more fourth fastening elements 436. In the present embodiment, the third connection mechanism 228 includes a third fastening element 432 and a fourth fastening element 436 configured to engage the visual perception device 144 with the third slotted structure 352' defined in the first side plate 340 of the second section 316. Similarly, the third connection mechanism 228 may include a third fastening element 432' and a fourth fastening element 436' configured to engage the visual perception device 144 with the third slotted structure 352" defined in the second side plate 344 of the second section 316.

[0037] Furthermore, the third connection mechanism 228 is configured to couple the visual perception device 144 to the second portion 316 of the second mount 216 at a third position of the plurality of second positions about the third axis 'X3'. To this end, the third fastening element 432 can be passed through the third opening 356 (defined in the first side plate 340) and received and secured in a first threaded hole 440 defined on the visual perception device 144, and the fourth fastening element 436 can be passed through the fifth arcuate slot 364 (defined in the first side plate 340) and received and secured in a second threaded hole 444 defined on the visual perception device 144.Similarly, the third fastening element 432' and the fourth fastening element 436' can be secured in their corresponding threaded holes formed on the visual perception device 144.

[0038] It can be considered that the machine 100 includes a plurality of mounting assemblies that are similar in structure and configuration to the mounting assembly 208 and are each configured to mount the respective visual perception devices 144 at different locations (or portions) of the machine 100. For example, as shown in Fig.1, a further mounting assembly 208' (similar to the mounting assembly 208) may facilitate mounting a further visual perception device 144' (similar to the visual perception device 144) on the roof portion 180 toward the front portion 164 of the operator cab 136 and at a desired angular orientation to obtain a desired visual feed of an external environment of the machine 100 from the front portion 164 of the operator cab 136.In another example, another mount assembly 208" (similar to mount assembly 208) may facilitate mounting another visual perception device 144" (similar to visual perception device 144) on the roof portion 180 toward the rear portion 168 of the operator cab 136 and at a different desired angular orientation to obtain another desired visual feed of an external environment of the machine 100 from the rear portion 168 of the operator cab 136. In another example, a further mounting assembly 208''' (similar to the mounting assembly 208) may enable mounting of a further visual perception device 144''' (similar to the visual perception device 144) to the vent hood 156 and at a desired angular orientation to obtain a further desired visual feed of an external environment of the machine 100 from the vent hood 156 of the machine 100. Industrial applicability

[0039] An exemplary method for mounting a visual perception device 144 to the structure 140' of the machine 100 using the bracket assembly 208 is explained. First, the visual perception device 144 is mounted to the second portion 316 (i.e., the first side plate 340 and the second side plate 344) of the second bracket 216 at the third of the plurality of second positions about the third axis 'X3'. To this end, the visual perception 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 perception device 144 are aligned with their corresponding third opening 356 and the fifth arcuate slot 364 defined on the first side plate 340.Subsequently, the third fastening element 432 is passed through the third opening 356 and received and (loosely) secured in the first threaded hole 440 of the visual perception device 144. Additionally, the fourth fastening element 436 is passed through the fifth arcuate slot 364 and received and (loosely) secured in the second threaded bore 444 of the visual perception device 144.

[0040] 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 achieve the third position. Next, the third fastener 432 and the fourth fastener 436 are firmly secured in the corresponding first threaded hole 440 and the second threaded hole 444 of the visual perception device 144. Similarly, the visual perception device 144 can be secured to the second side plate 344 of the second bracket 216 via the third fastener 432' and the fourth fastener 436'.

[0041] Furthermore, the second mount 216, together with the visual perception device 144, is mounted to the first mount 212 at the second position of the plurality of second positions about the second axis 'X2'. To this end, the first portion 312 of the second mount 216 is engaged with the second slotted structure 260 (defined on the second segment 236 of the first mount 212) in such a way that the sixth surface 328 (of the first portion 312) abuts the third surface 248 of the second segment 236 and that the opening 332 (of the first portion 312) is aligned with the corresponding second opening 288 (of the second slotted structure 260). Subsequently, the threaded shaft portion 412 (of the second connecting element 404) is guided through the corresponding opening 332 of the first portion 312 and received in the second opening 288 of the first holder 212 and secured axially (loosely, via the nut 420).Subsequently, the first section 312 can be rotated about the second axis 'X2' to reach the second position. In the second position, the through-holes 336 (in the first section 312) can be aligned with their corresponding arcuate slots 304 (of the third set of arcuate slots 296) and the arcuate slots 308 (of the fourth set of arcuate slots 300).

[0042] 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 shaft portion 412 is firmly secured to the second opening 288 of the first bracket 212. Subsequently, the second fastener 400' is passed through the corresponding arcuate slot 304 and the through-hole 336 and is accordingly received and secured (via the nut 424) in the second through-hole 416' of the second connecting element 404. Additionally, the second fastener 400'' is passed through the corresponding arcuate slot 308 (of the fourth set of arcuate slots 300) and the through-hole 336 and is accordingly received and secured (via the nut 428) in the second through-hole 416'' of the second connecting element 404.

[0043] Further, the first mount 212 (coupled to the second mount 216 with the visual perception device 144 mounted thereon) is mounted to the second portion 188 of the structure 140' at the first of the plurality of second positions about the first axis 'X1'. To this end, the first segment 232 of the first mount 212 is engaged with the second portion 188 of the structure 140' such that the second surface 244 (of the first segment 232) abuts the second portion 188, and the first opening 264 (of the first mount 212) is aligned with the corresponding opening 196 of the structure 140'. The threaded shaft portion 380 (of the first connecting element 372) is then passed through the corresponding opening 196 of the structure 140' and received in the first opening 264 of the first mount 212 and axially secured (loosely, via the nut 388).The first bracket 212 can then 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) can be aligned with their corresponding arcuate slot 280 (of the first set of arcuate slots 272) and the arcuate slots 284 (of the second set of arcuate slots 276).

[0044] Once the first bracket 212 is in the first position about the first axis 'X1', the threaded shaft portion 380 is firmly secured in the first opening 264 of the first bracket 212. The first fastener 368' is then passed through the arcuate slot 280 and the through-hole 200' in the structure 140 and is received and secured (via the nut 392) in the first through-hole 384' of the first connecting member 372. Additionally, the first fastener 368'' is passed through the arcuate slot 284 and the through-hole 200'' in the structure 140 and is received and secured (via the nut 396) in the first through-hole 384'' of the first connecting member 372.

[0045] The order in which the aforementioned steps of mounting a visual perception device 144 to the structure 140' of the machine 100 are performed is not intended to be limiting, and any number of the aforementioned steps may be combined in any order and / or in parallel, as and when desired during operation of the machine 100.

[0046] As previously explained, the support assembly 208 allows for mounting a visual perception device 144 at any desired position (e.g., the first position, the second position, and the third position) with respect to the three axes—i.e., the first axis 'X1', the second axis 'X2', and the third axis 'X3'. Accordingly, the support assembly 208 provides the flexibility to mount (or adjust) the visual perception device 144 at any desired angle with respect to at least one of: a pitch axis, a yaw axis, and a roll axis associated with a machine 100, as needed.

[0047] In an example scenario, the operator may adjust the first mount 212 and the second mount 216 (of at least one of the mount assemblies 208, 208', 208'', 208''') with respect to at least one of the pitch axis, the yaw axis, and the roll axis to properly align the horizon (or the implement 132) displayed via the video feeds provided by the visual perception devices 144, 144', 144'', 144'''. This alignment of the video feeds may reduce the likelihood of operator fatigue commonly associated with viewing improperly aligned video feeds during or after a period of operation.Additionally, implementing the support assemblies 208, 208', 208'', 208'' for mounting the visual perception devices 144, 144', 144'', 144''' can eliminate the possibility of loss or alteration of the visual data (associated with the environment of the machine) that could occur if the video feeds (or images) provided by the visual perception devices 144, 144', 144'', 144''' were digitally modified.

[0048] Furthermore, the bracket assembly 208 reduces (or eliminates) the need to install different mounting hardware (e.g., brackets of different shapes and configurations) for mounting a visual perception device at different locations on the machine 100. The bracket assembly 208 used for mounting the visual perception device 144 on the structure 140 attached to the left portion 172 of the operator cab 136 can, for example, also be used for mounting a visual perception device (similar to the visual perception device 144) on the roof portion 180 of the operator cab 136. This can contribute to an overall cost reduction. Furthermore, the bracket assembly 208 has applicability for use in mounting a visual perception device (similar to the visual perception device 144) on various types of machines (i.e.,Machines that have different shapes, sizes and configurations).

[0049] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the bracket assembly of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the presently disclosed bracket assembly. It is intended that the description and examples be considered exemplary only, with a true scope of the disclosure being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 2015 / 0077614

[0003]

Claims

[1] A mounting assembly (208) for mounting a visual perception device (144) on a structure (140) of a mobile construction machine (100), the mounting assembly (208) comprising: a first support (212) that can be selectively positioned in a plurality of first positions relative to the structure (140), the plurality of first positions being defined about a first axis (X1); and a second support (216), defining: a first portion (312) that can be selectively positioned in a plurality of second positions relative to the first support (212), the plurality of second positions being defined about a second axis (X2); and a second portion (316) extending from the first portion (312), the second portion (316) enabling selective positioning of the visual perception device (144) in a plurality of third positions relative to the second portion (316), the plurality of third positions being defined about a third axis (X3). [2] The support assembly (208) of claim 1, wherein the first axis (X1), the second axis (X2), and the third axis (X3) are arranged substantially orthogonally with respect to one another. [3] The bracket assembly (208) of claim 1, wherein the first bracket (212) defines a first slotted structure (256) including a first opening (264) defining the first axis (X1) and one or more first slots (268) defined around the first opening (264) about the first axis (X1), the bracket assembly (208) further comprising a first connection mechanism (220) for engaging the structure (140) with the first slotted structure (256) to couple the first bracket (212) in a first position of the plurality of first positions. [4] The bracket assembly (208) of claim 3, wherein the one or more first slots (268) comprise a first set of arcuate slots (272) and a second set of arcuate slots (276), and wherein the first set of arcuate slots (272) and the second set of arcuate slots (276) are defined concentrically with the first opening (264) about the first axis (X1) to selectively position the first bracket (212) in the plurality of first positions about the first axis (X1). [5] The bracket assembly (208) of claim 3, wherein the first connection mechanism (220) comprises one or more first fastening elements (368) and a first connecting element (372) defining a head plate (376) having one or more first through holes (384) and a threaded shaft portion (380) extending from the head plate (376), wherein to couple the first bracket (212) to the structure (140) in the first position: the threaded shaft portion (380) is guided through a corresponding opening (196) of the structure (140) and is received and axially secured in the first opening (264), and the one or more first fastening elements (368) are respectively guided through the one or more first slots (268) and the one or more through-holes (200) in the structure (140) and respectively received and secured in the one or more first through-holes (384) of the first connecting element (372). [6] The bracket assembly (208) of claim 1, wherein the first bracket (212) defines a second slotted structure (260) having a second opening (288) defining the second axis (X2) and one or more second slots (292) defined around the second opening (288) about the second axis (X2), the bracket assembly (208) further comprising a second connection mechanism (224) for engaging the first portion (312) of the second bracket (216) with the second slotted structure (260) to couple the first portion (312) of the second bracket (216) to the first bracket (212) in a second position of the plurality of second positions. [7] The bracket assembly (208) of claim 6, wherein the one or more second slots (292) comprise a third set of arcuate slots (296) and a fourth set of arcuate slots (300), and wherein the third set of arcuate slots (296) and the fourth set of arcuate slots (300) are defined concentrically with the second opening (288) about the second axis (X2) to selectively position the first portion (312) of the second bracket (216) in the plurality of second positions about the second axis (X2). [8] The bracket assembly (208) of claim 6, wherein the second connection mechanism (224) comprises one or more second fastening elements (400) and a second connecting element (404) defining a head plate (408) having one or more second through holes (416) and a threaded shaft 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) in the second position: the threaded shaft portion (412) is guided through a corresponding opening (332) of the first portion (312) of the second holder (216) and is received and axially secured by the second opening (288), and the one or more second fastening elements (400) are respectively guided 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) and respectively received and secured in the one or more second through-holes (416) of the second connecting element (404). [9] The support assembly (208) of claim 1, wherein the second portion (316) of the second support (216) defines a third slotted structure (352) including a third opening (356) defining the third axis (X3) and one or more third slots (360) defined around the third opening (356) about the third axis (X3), the one or more third slots (360) including a fifth arcuate slot (364) defined concentrically with the third opening (356) about the third axis (X3) for selectively positioning the visual perception device (144) in the plurality of third positions about the third axis (X3), the support assembly (208) further comprising a third linkage mechanism (228) for engaging the visual perception device (144) with the third slotted structure (352),to couple the visual perception device (144) to the second portion (316) of the second mount (216) in a third position of the plurality of third positions. [10] The bracket assembly (208) of claim 9, wherein the third connection mechanism (228) comprises one or more third fastening elements (432) and one or more fourth fastening elements (436), wherein to couple the visual perception device (144) to the second portion (316) of the second bracket (216) in the third position: the one or more third fastening elements (432) are passed through the third opening (356) and received and secured in one or more first threaded holes (440) defined on the visual perception device (144), and the one or more fourth fastening elements (436) are respectively guided through the one or more third slots (360) and received and secured in one or more second threaded holes (444) defined on the visual perception device (144).

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