Implement-Responsive Optical Systems for Work Vehicle Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles equipped with boom-mounted implements face visibility issues due to restricted illumination when the implement is lifted to high positions or operated in low light conditions, as the illumination field from fixed vehicle lights becomes inadequate, obstructed, or poorly aligned with the implement's position.
Innovation Solution
An implement-responsive optical system that includes an optical device, such as a camera or worklight, mounted on the vehicle body and coupled with an adjustment mechanism, which dynamically adjusts its orientation or operational characteristics to maintain optimal illumination and viewing alignment with the implement throughout its range of motion relative to the vehicle body, using closed-loop actuation or mechanical linkages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the boom assembly lifts the implement to high positions, then the functional range of the work vehicle is improved, but the operator's visibility of the implement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera mounted on the implement that captures images from the implement's perspective (a different spatial dimension relative to the operator). These images are transmitted to a display in the cab, allowing the operator to view the implement from an elevated position without being physically present at that height, thus resolving the visibility restriction while maintaining full functional range.
2Productivity
If the work vehicle operates under low light conditions, then the work capability is maintained, but the illumination of the implement becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it provides visual feedback to the operator during low light conditions, enables operation in darkness without additional illumination, and can potentially serve as a recording device. This multi-functionality allows the work vehicle to maintain productivity in low light conditions without relying on enhanced illumination of the implement itself.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the boom-mounted implement is moved into positions peripheral to the illumination field, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the visibility of the implement is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The camera mounted on the implement provides real-time visual feedback to the operator regardless of the implement's position relative to the vehicle's illumination field. The camera captures and transmits images of the implement and its surroundings to a display in the cab, ensuring the operator can see the implement in any position within the boom's range of motion, thus maintaining operational flexibility while ensuring visibility.
4Strength
If the boom or implement obstructs the illumination field, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the visibility of the area ahead or behind the vehicle is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system creates a visual copy of the area around the implement, transmitting this image information to the operator in the cab. This allows the operator to see areas that would otherwise be obstructed by the boom or implement structure, maintaining structural integrity while compensating for the visual obstruction through electronic imaging and display.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle having an optical system responsive to implement movements is disclosed. The implement-responsive optical system includes an optical device, such as a worklight or camera, which is coupled to the vehicle body and which produces an optical field when active. An adjustment mechanism, such as a closed loop actuation subsystem or a mechanical linkage, is coupled to the vehicle body and to the optical device. The adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust at least one operational characteristic of the optical field in response to movement of the work implement relative to the vehicle body.