Grade Control Display Graphics for Cross Slope and Mainfall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work machines utilize LED light bars for grade control, which are limited in the amount and type of information communicated to operators, and lack a standardized interface across different machines.
Innovation Solution
A display system for work machines with grade control, comprising sensors to measure frame and attachment angles relative to gravity, a controller to determine cross slope and mainfall, and a display device to show a singular graphic representing these angles relative to a target grade, along with numerical or color-coded representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If LED light bars are used for grade control display, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but the amount and type of information communicated to the operator is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional LED light bar indicators to a two-dimensional graphical display showing cross slope and mainfall simultaneously. The graphical interface presents multiple parameters (cross slope, mainfall, target grade) in a single visual field, enabling operators to comprehend comprehensive grade control information at once rather than through limited linear indicators.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is designed to present multiple types of grade control information through a unified graphical interface. The same display device shows cross slope, mainfall, target grade, and attachment position simultaneously, making the system multi-functional in communicating various parameters through a single standardized interface rather than requiring separate indicators for each parameter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different display interfaces are used for different work machines, then each machine can be optimized for its specific function, but there is no standardized interface across machines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal display interface that can be applied across different work machine types. The graphical display showing cross slope, mainfall, and target grade is designed as a standardized template that can be implemented on various machines (skid steers, excavators, loaders) without requiring machine-specific customization, thereby achieving adaptability while simplifying implementation through reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The display interface is segmented into standardized functional elements (cross slope indicator, mainfall indicator, target grade reference) that can be independently defined and then recombined in the same way across different machine types. This modular graphical structure enables standardization while allowing the same segments to be implemented on various machines with different functions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate indicators are used to show cross slope and mainfall, then each parameter can be displayed clearly, but the overall system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display of cross slope and mainfall into a single integrated graphical interface. Both parameters are presented simultaneously in one visual display rather than using separate indicators, combining multiple information streams into a unified presentation that maintains measurement precision for each parameter while reducing overall display structure complexity.
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
Enhances real-time communication of grade control information to operators, providing a cohesive and simplified means of sharing grade control data across various work machines.
Implementation Method 1
The first sensor is configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a frame angle relative to a direction of gravity
Implementation Method 2
The second sensor is configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of an attachment angle relative to one of the frame and the direction of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A display system and method for a work machine having grade control is disclosed. The display includes a frame, an attachment coupled to the frame, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first sensor is configured to generate a first sensor signal indicative of a frame angle relative to a direction of gravity. The second sensor is configured to generate a second sensor signal indicative of an attachment angle relative to one of the frame and the direction of gravity. The program instructions cause a processor on the controller to receive a first sensor signal, a second sensor signal, and a target grade input; determine a cross slope and a mainfall, and control a display device to display a singular graphic of the position of the attachment relative to the target grade.