Camera-Based Load Height Detection for Trolley Line Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machines, such as electric drive machines with pantograph assemblies, face productivity issues due to load heights exceeding power line heights, causing damage to the power lines during operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a load sensor, camera, and electronic control module that captures images of the load and compares its height to the power line height before traveling under the power line, providing real-time feedback to the operator to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine carries a load to maintain productivity, then the load height may exceed the power line height, but this causes damage to the power line
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of load height using a camera before the machine travels under the power line. The electronic control module compares the detected load height with the power line height in advance and provides warning to the operator, allowing preventive action to be taken before damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the camera continuously monitors load height, the electronic control module compares it with power line height thresholds, and provides real-time visual feedback to the operator through a display. This closed-loop feedback enables the operator to adjust the load or route to prevent power line damage.
2Reliability
If the load height is reduced to avoid power line damage, then power line safety is improved, but the machine's cargo capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the operational parameters based on real-time conditions. The electronic control module compares the detected load height with the power line height and provides conditional warnings only when the load height exceeds the power line height, allowing the operator to maintain maximum cargo capacity when it is safe to do so while preventing damage when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (load height) based on the detected conditions. By monitoring the actual load height and comparing it with the power line height threshold, the system enables dynamic parameter adjustment to optimize both cargo capacity and safety.
3Reliability
If a camera system is added to detect load height, then power line damage is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical height measurement devices with a camera-based optical detection system. The camera captures images of the load, and the electronic control module processes these images to determine load height, providing a simpler and more versatile measurement approach compared to traditional mechanical sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a camera to create a visual copy (image) of the load, which is then processed by the electronic control module to extract height information. This optical copying approach simplifies the detection mechanism compared to direct physical measurement while maintaining accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may comprise a load sensor; a camera; and an electronic control module. The load sensor may configured to detect a load placed on a vehicle that is to travel along a path. The camera may be associated with the vehicle and may be configured to capture an image of the load placed on the vehicle. The electronic control module may configured to receive, from the load sensor, information indicating that the load has been placed on the vehicle, cause the camera to capture the image of the load based on receiving the information indicating that the load has been placed on the vehicle, determine whether the height of the load exceeds a height of a trolley line included in the path, and provide, for display by a display of the vehicle, information indicating whether the height of the load exceeds the height of the trolley line.