Motor Grader Implement Image Sensor Material Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle grade control systems do not account for the type of surface material being graded, which affects grading operations due to varying characteristics and properties of different materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that includes an implement image sensor to identify material properties and adjust the implement's position based on these properties to achieve a desired grade target, using control circuitry and sensors to collect and process images of the surface material and adjust the implement's position accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current grade control systems are used to adjust the implement based on inputs from the machine control system, then the blade position can be controlled to achieve slope, angle, and elevation targets, but the systems do not account for the type of surface material being graded, causing grading operations to be affected by varying surface material characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
An image sensor is introduced as an intermediary device to capture images of the surface material in front of the implement. The image processing system analyzes these images to identify surface material characteristics, providing information that bridges the gap between the grade control system and the actual surface conditions, enabling adaptive grading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual surface assessment methods with an optical-based image sensing and processing system. This substitution allows for automated identification of surface material properties without direct physical contact, enabling the system to adapt to different materials based on visual analysis.
2Manufacturing precision
If the blade position is constantly adjusted to achieve grade targets, then grading precision is improved, but the system does not dynamically adapt to different surface material properties, reducing overall grading effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback loop where the image sensor continuously monitors surface material conditions, the image processing system analyzes these conditions in real-time, and the grade control system adjusts blade position based on both the desired grade targets and the actual surface material properties. This closed-loop feedback enables dynamic adaptation while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the grading system dynamic by enabling real-time adjustments to blade position based on changing surface material conditions. The system transitions from static, pre-programmed grading paths to dynamic, adaptive control that responds to actual surface conditions encountered during operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an image sensor and image processing system are added to identify surface material properties, then adaptability to different materials is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor and processing system serve multiple functions: identifying surface material type, determining material properties, and providing feedback for blade position control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving enhanced adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle grade control system and method of controlling an implement position of a motor grader moving along a path of a surface. The motor grader includes a frame supported by a ground engaging traction device and an implement adjustably coupled to the frame. The control system includes a processor and a memory configured to receive a grade target to grade the surface to a desired grade with the implement, based on the grade target. A front image sensor provides images of a front surface profile, an implement image sensor provides images of collected surface material on the implement, and a rear image sensor provides images on a rear surface profile. The surface is graded by adjusting a position of the implement based on the images provided by each of the front image sensor, the implement image sensor, and the rear image sensor.