Boom-Mounted Imaging for Side Terrain Visibility in Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders face challenges in maintaining a clear field of view due to the movement of boom assemblies, which obstructs the view of external objects to the sides of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A detection system, including imaging devices such as cameras and lidar sensors, is mounted on the work vehicle in a manner that maintains a field of view of a predetermined area of interest to the sides of the vehicle throughout the trajectory of movement of the boom assembly. This system processes image data to provide a continuous, unobstructed view of the terrain, even when the boom assembly moves and obscures the view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the boom assembly moves to perform work operations, then the work capability is improved, but the operator's field of view of the terrain to the sides is obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces imaging devices (cameras, sensors) as intermediaries to capture terrain information that would otherwise be obscured by the boom assembly. These devices are positioned on the boom or vehicle to provide indirect viewing capability, allowing the operator to see around obstructions without moving the boom away from work positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a new dimension to the operator's field of view by using multiple imaging devices positioned at different locations and angles. This creates a multi-dimensional view of the obscured areas, allowing the operator to perceive terrain information from perspectives that bypass the physical obstruction of the boom assembly.
2Loss of information
If an imaging device is mounted high above the work vehicle to maintain field of view, then the viewing capability is improved, but the device complexity and impracticality increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging devices are integrated into existing components of the work vehicle, particularly the boom assembly itself, which serves dual functions: performing work operations and supporting the imaging devices for surveillance. This eliminates the need for separate, complex high-mounted viewing structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom assembly serves itself by incorporating imaging devices directly onto its structure. The same component that obstructs the view also becomes the platform for overcoming that obstruction, eliminating the need for additional external mounting structures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively maintains operational awareness for the operator by providing a continuous, unobstructed view of the terrain, allowing the operator to identify external objects even when they are obscured by the boom assembly.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device is mounted on the work vehicle and provides a field of view including the at least first portion of the terrain throughout the trajectory of movement of the second portion of the work vehicle
Implementation Method 2
detection system (i.e., including one or more imaging devices such as cameras, lidar sensors, and the like)
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle is provided with a first portion having a frame supported by ground engaging units, and an operator cab with a first (forward) side and opposing second and third sides having respective (i.e., left and right) fields of view. At least a first portion of terrain proximate to the frame (i.e., an area of interest) is obscured from view of an operator in the operator cab during at least a portion of a trajectory of movement of a second portion of the work vehicle (e.g., a boom assembly). At least one imaging device is mounted on the work vehicle and has a field of view including the area of interest throughout the trajectory of movement of the second portion.