Crane Boom Tip Tracking for Automatic Load Height Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of forest vehicles face challenges in accurately determining when a load space is fully loaded or unloaded, leading to potential misinformation due to human error from stress or fatigue, which affects productivity and workflow planning.
Innovation Solution
A load height detection system using a crane with sensors to track the boom tip's position and grapple tool status, automatically determining loading or unloading operations and transmitting data to the production system, reducing operator workload and enhancing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually tracks and inputs load information, then the system can provide feedback on loading status, but the accuracy of the information decreases due to human error from stress or fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tracking and input process with an automated sensor-based detection system. Sensors mounted on the vehicle body detect the position of logs in the load space and automatically transmit this data to the control system, eliminating the need for manual operator input and thereby eliminating human error while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle's detection system automatically monitors and reports its own loading status without requiring external manual intervention. The control unit receives sensor data, determines loading status autonomously, and provides feedback to the production system, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate dependency on operator accuracy.
2Loss of information
If the operator manually provides feedback on loading status, then the system can track productivity data, but the operator experiences increased workload and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system automatically performs the function of tracking productivity data without requiring operator intervention. Sensors continuously monitor the load space and the control unit automatically processes and transmits loading status information to the production system, eliminating the operator's workload while ensuring complete and accurate data tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic feedback loops where sensor data is continuously transmitted to the control unit, which then provides real-time loading status feedback to the production system. This automated feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual data reporting while maintaining comprehensive productivity tracking.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on the vehicle body to detect log positions, then the detection accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs sensors that serve multiple functions: they detect the position of logs, determine load height, and provide data for calculating loading status. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems while maintaining high measurement precision, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If the system automatically detects loading status using sensor data, then the data accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual monitoring procedures with a streamlined automated detection system using sensors and a control unit. This substitution achieves high data accuracy while keeping the system relatively simple by eliminating the need for multiple manual measurement devices and procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system automatically processes sensor data and determines loading status without requiring complex external processing systems. The control unit on the vehicle itself performs the analysis and generates feedback, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high measurement precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a load height detection system comprising a load space (20) a crane (22) comprising multiple booms and a boom tip, a grapple tool adapted to handle cargo, being attached to the boom tip, being adapted to provide sensor data for open/close status, the crane (22) adapted to detect a vertical slew angle, a rotational angle, at least a horizontal distance of the boom tip to the base of the crane (22) and a height position of the boom tip relative to the load space (20), a controller adapted to receive the positioning data of the crane (22) and the boom tip, the controller being adapted to interpret the data of the vertical slew angle, the rotational angle, the distance and the height data to identify if the boom tip is inside or outside the load space (20), and to identify a loading or an unloading operation by an increasing or decreasing boom tip height in the area of the load space (20) at a final position, the final position being defined by an open/close status of the grapple tool, and determining a fully loaded or fully unloaded load space (20).