Hook-Lift Vehicle Deviation Angle Control for Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The safety and efficiency of loading a load carrying device, such as a container, onto a vehicle equipped with a hook-lift are heavily dependent on the driver's experience and knowledge, as precise alignment is required to prevent excessive deviation angles, which can lead to unsafe and inefficient operations.
Innovation Solution
A system that estimates the deviation angle between the vehicle and the load carrying device using image data from sensors, allowing for autonomous or assisted alignment and loading procedures by engaging a loading tool and generating operation instructions to adjust the vehicle's position, enabling the loading process even when the vehicle and container are not fully aligned.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the vehicle position is manually adjusted by the driver to achieve optimal alignment, then the alignment quality depends on driver experience, but the process is time-consuming and safety varies with driver skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment by the driver with an automated optical measurement and control system. Sensors (cameras, image processing units) automatically detect the deviation angle and control the vehicle positioning, eliminating reliance on driver experience while reducing positioning time through automated real-time feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically adjust its own position based on sensor feedback without continuous manual intervention. The automated alignment system monitors and corrects positioning in real-time, allowing the vehicle to self-correct deviations and maintain optimal alignment independently.
2Manufacturing precision
If the vehicle position is manually adjusted by the driver, then flexibility in handling different scenarios is maintained, but the precision and consistency of alignment are limited by human capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual estimation and mechanical adjustment with automated optical sensors and digital image processing. The system uses cameras to capture images, processes them to calculate deviation angles with high precision, and automatically controls vehicle positioning, achieving consistent sub-degree alignment accuracy regardless of operator skill.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital representation (image copy) of the physical scene using cameras and image processing. This digital model is then analyzed to determine deviation angles and generate control commands, allowing precise measurement and control without direct physical intervention.
3Reliability
If automated sensor systems are used to detect deviation angle, then alignment precision and safety are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensor systems that perform multiple tasks: detecting deviation angle, measuring distances, identifying container positions, and providing real-time feedback for control. This consolidation of functions into integrated sensor units reduces overall system complexity compared to separate specialized devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses image processing algorithms as an intermediary between physical sensor data and control decisions. The algorithms translate complex sensor inputs into simplified deviation angle measurements and control commands, bridging the gap between raw data and actionable control signals while managing system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A working unit comprising a vehicle (2) and a working equipment (4) configured to load a load carrying device (6) on to said vehicle (2), said working unit comprises: -a sensor arrangement (8) comprising at least one sensor member arranged at said working unit, said at least one sensor member is configured to determine an angle, denoted deviation angle DA, between a longitudinal axis A1 of said vehicle and a longitudinal axis A2 of said load carrying device (6). The control system is configured to compare said DA to a predetermined maximum deviation angle DAMAX, and if said DA is less than said DAMAX the vehicle is set in a loading mode comprising applying a loading procedure comprising: -engaging a loading tool (14) of the working equipment (4) with an attachment part (16) at a first end (18) of the load carrying device (6); -lifting the first end (18) of the load carrying device (6) by said loading tool (14) while a second end (20) of the load carrying device (6) is on ground; -generating a first set of operation instructions to the vehicle for adjusting the position of the vehicle (2) to decrease the DA while the working equipment (4) lifts said first end (18) of the load carrying device (6); -monitoring the DA during the adjustment of the vehicle position, and comparing the DA to a predetermined loading threshold deviation angle DALT, being less than said DAMAX, -generating a second set of operation instructions for the working equipment (4) to move the load carrying device (6) on to the vehicle (2) in response to the DA being less than the DALT.