Loader Alignment Guidance Using Virtual Assist Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of work vehicles with loaders face challenges in verifying interoperability between implements and loaders, aligning implements with loads, and detecting implement height and level, leading to inefficiencies and potential equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A virtual assist apparatus that includes an imaging system, a guidance control apparatus, and a display unit, which generates work area image data and provides tractor heading and implement alignment guidance data to assist operators in positioning the loader relative to implements and loads, and detecting implement height and level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual verification of implement-loader interoperability is performed, then equipment damage is prevented, but operator time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by having the implement and loader automatically transmit their own identification and compatibility data to the verification device, eliminating the need for manual verification while maintaining equipment safety through automated compatibility checking
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification processes with an automated electronic verification system that uses optical scanners, processors, and display devices to automatically check implement-loader compatibility, thereby preventing equipment damage while maintaining operator productivity
2Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment of implement with load is performed, then proper engagement is achieved, but time spent on alignment tasks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual alignment operations with automated optical guidance that uses image capture devices, processors, and display devices to provide real-time visual feedback to the operator, achieving precise implement-load alignment while significantly reducing the time required for alignment tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by capturing images of the work area, processing the image data to determine alignment status, and displaying visual guidance information that provides real-time feedback to the operator on how to position the implement relative to the load for proper engagement
3Manufacturing precision
If lateral repositioning of vehicle is performed to align tool carrier with implement, then coupling alignment is achieved, but operator efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by capturing images of the tool carrier and implement, processing the images to determine their relative positions and orientations, and displaying guidance information that shows the operator how to laterally reposition the vehicle to achieve proper coupling alignment without requiring multiple trial adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing advance visual guidance information that enables the operator to make the correct lateral repositioning movement on the first attempt, eliminating the need for repeated trial-and-error adjustments and improving operator efficiency
4Manufacturing precision
If vehicle repositioning for inclination alignment is performed, then implement coupling is achieved, but time and productivity are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time visual feedback by processing images to determine the inclination angles of the tool carrier and implement, and displaying guidance information that shows the operator how to reposition the vehicle to achieve proper inclination alignment, reducing the time required for this complex maneuver
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing advance visual guidance on the required vehicle repositioning movement before the operator executes it, enabling the operator to achieve proper inclination alignment on the first attempt and eliminating time-wasting trial-and-error adjustments
Data Source
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AI summary
A virtual assist apparatus assists moving a tractor loader relative to a target item for mutually engaging the loader with the target item. An image sensor device generates target image data representative of a target item image. Based on the target image data, tractor heading data representative of a tractor heading of the tractor, and target alignment guidance data representative of a target approach path providing access to a target attachment feature of the target item that is mutually engageable with a corresponding loader attachment feature of the loader are determined. A display unit displays viewable images of tractor heading and the target approach path for assisting the movement of the tractor to position the loader relative to the target item for mutually engaging the loader with the target item. The target item may be an implement couplable with a tool carrier or a load engagable with the implement.