Work Machine Blade Position Control Using Optical Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines, such as motor graders, face challenges in accurately controlling the position of their working blades without relying on large, costly position-determining masts, which are vulnerable to theft and require extensive sensor systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to predict and correct the position of the working blade by comparing predicted and actual positions, allowing for precise control without physical masts, utilizing actuators and sensors to adjust the blade's position based on image data and error calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If position-determining masts with sensors are used to control the working blade position, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses camera images to create a visual copy of the working blade position instead of using physical measurement masts. The image processing system captures optical information and processes it to determine blade position, replacing the need for complex physical sensor masts while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical position-determining mast system with an optical imaging and image processing system. Instead of using physical masts with sensors to measure blade position, the system uses cameras to capture images and computational algorithms to determine position, eliminating complex mechanical measurement infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If position-determining masts are installed on the work machine, then the working blade position can be determined accurately, but the machine becomes more vulnerable to theft and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual copying through camera imaging to determine blade position without installing vulnerable physical measurement infrastructure. The system creates an optical representation of the blade position and processes this information computationally, eliminating the need for exposed sensor masts that could be targeted by thieves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the vulnerable mechanical sensor mast system with a non-contact optical imaging system. Cameras mounted on the machine capture images of the working blade, and image processing algorithms extract position information without requiring physical measurement structures that could be stolen or damaged.
3Productivity
If traditional sensor systems are used to track blade position, then real-time control is achieved, but the system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous image capture and processing to create real-time visual copies of the blade position. The camera system continuously captures images and the processing system generates real-time position feedback, enabling dynamic control without requiring complex traditional sensor arrays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical and electrical sensor systems with an optical imaging-based real-time monitoring system. The camera and image processing pipeline provide continuous position feedback at computational speeds, achieving real-time control capability while using software-based processing instead of complex hardware sensor networks.
Data Source
AI summary
Work machines and methods and systems to control and determine a position of an associated implement are disclosed. An example work machine including a first vehicle component movable relative to a second vehicle component; and a processor to: cause the first vehicle component to move toward a commanded position; predict a first position of the first vehicle component of the work machine using first processes; determine a second position of the first vehicle component using second processes; and in response to a difference between the first position and the second position, to cause the first vehicle component to move further toward the commanded position to correct for the difference.