3D Sensor Placement Near Headlights for Articulated Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies fail to measure relative positions of a work machine and its targets accurately, especially when the work machine's configuration changes, such as during excavation and loading operations.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a three-dimensional measurement device, including a laser radar and a stereo camera, is positioned to measure relative positions with respect to a work target, and a headlight, supported by a housing, and arranged in the vicinity of the headlight in the vehicle width direction, allowing for precise measurement of relative positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the three-dimensional measurement device is positioned on the vehicle body, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates when the vehicle configuration changes during operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the measurement device from a two-dimensional vehicle body surface to a three-dimensional spatial position near the headlight, allowing measurement in multiple directions and maintaining accurate relative position detection regardless of vehicle configuration changes during excavation and loading operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the headlight as an intermediary reference point that remains relatively stable in space while the vehicle body moves and articulates. By positioning the measurement device near the headlight, the system uses the headlight's stable spatial position as a mediator to maintain measurement accuracy despite changes in vehicle configuration
2Area of stationary object
If the measurement device is positioned to cover the work area, then the measurement range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the three-dimensional measurement device with the existing headlight housing structure, combining two functions (illumination and measurement) into a single integrated assembly. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage of the work area
Solution Approach 2:
The headlight housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the headlight, serves as a mounting structure for the three-dimensional measurement device, and contributes to the overall vehicle front-end aesthetics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mounting structures
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
The work machine can accurately measure relative positions with respect to work targets, even when the machine's configuration changes, ensuring precise excavation and loading operations.
Implementation Method 1
a three-dimensional measurement device, wherein the three-dimensional measurement device and the headlight are supported by a housing
Implementation Method 2
the three-dimensional measurement device is a stereo camera including a first camera and a second camera
Data Source
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AI summary
A work machine includes: a vehicle body front part to which a front wheel is attached; a vehicle body rear part which is coupled to the vehicle body front part through an articulated mechanism and to which a rear wheel is attached; a working equipment coupled to the vehicle body front part; a headlight supported by the vehicle body front part and arranged above the front wheel; and a three-dimensional measurement device arranged on an outer side of the headlight in a vehicle width direction that is in parallel with a rotation axis of the front wheel.