CAD-Guided Unloading Control Around Cross Members and Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of agricultural and construction vehicles face challenges in maintaining high efficiency and accurately controlling the unloading process into receiving vehicles, especially when receiving vehicles have cross members or fixtures, due to environmental factors like dust and obscurants, which can lead to material spillage and damage.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses computer-aided design (CAD) files to control the unloading operation by determining the precise location and volume of receiving vehicles, employing a calibration system to identify receiving vehicle parameters and fixtures, and a dynamic model to predict the vehicle's position without relying on real-time image processing, ensuring accurate and efficient filling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time image processing is used to track receiving vehicle position, then visual feedback is provided, but material spillage increases due to dust and obscurants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces CAD files as an intermediary representation of the receiving vehicle. Instead of directly processing images of the vehicle in dusty conditions, the system uses pre-stored CAD models that contain precise geometric information about the vehicle's structure, cross members, and fixtures. This intermediary model allows the control system to accurately determine the unloading target area without being affected by environmental obscurants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing CAD files and extracting geometric information about the receiving vehicle's structure, including cross members and fixtures, before the unloading operation begins. This advance preparation allows the control system to have accurate spatial information ready, eliminating the need for real-time image processing during the actual unloading when dust and obscurants are present.
2Ease of operation
If operator manually controls unloading spout position, then flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases due to high attention requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the receiving vehicle to effectively control the unloading process through its own geometric data. The CAD file containing the vehicle's dimensions, cross member locations, and fixture positions allows the control system to automatically determine the optimal spout positioning and unloading trajectory without continuous operator intervention. The vehicle's pre-stored geometric information serves the function of guiding the unloading operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by using the receiving vehicle's CAD model to continuously monitor and adjust the unloading process. The control system compares the actual spout position and material flow with the target area defined in the CAD file, making automatic adjustments to maintain optimal unloading. This closed-loop control maintains flexibility while reducing operator workload and increasing productivity.
3Loss of information
If real-time image processing is used to detect cross members, then visual information is obtained, but measurement precision decreases due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating and storing a digital replica (CAD file) of the receiving vehicle's structure, including precise locations of cross members, fixtures, and geometric features. This digital copy contains accurate spatial information that can be retrieved and used during unloading operations without needing to visually detect the actual vehicle. The CAD model serves as a perfect copy that preserves all structural details without the limitations of real-time imaging.
Data Source
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AI summary
Computer aided design (CAD) files for a plurality of different kinds of receiving vehicles are loaded to a remote server. Based on a receiving vehicle identifier, a corresponding CAD file or information derived from a CAD file is sent to a leading vehicle that is performing an unloading operation to load material into the receiving vehicle. An unloading control system controls the unloading operation based on the CAD file or information.