Loader Attachment Usage Monitoring for Accurate Maintenance Alerts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to accurately track the usage time of work vehicle attachments, leading to uncertain maintenance schedules and potential equipment damage due to wear and tear, as they rely on correlation with the vehicle's operation time rather than the actual usage time of the attachments.
Innovation Solution
A vision system and monitoring apparatus on the work vehicle automatically track the usage time of loader attachments by imaging target devices, determining movement, and generating maintenance alerts when thresholds are exceeded, considering environmental conditions and attachment positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If basic hour meter devices are used to track usage time, then the vehicle operation time can be recorded, but the actual attachment usage time cannot be accurately tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (attachment usage monitor) that specifically tracks attachment usage by detecting hydraulic fluid flow or electrical signals from the attachment's operational components. This intermediary system bridges the gap between vehicle operation and actual attachment usage, providing accurate measurement without relying on general vehicle hour meters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hour meter systems with electronic or hydraulic sensing systems that can specifically detect when an attachment is actually in use. These systems use sensors, fluid flow detectors, or electrical signal monitoring to substitute the inadequate mechanical timing mechanism with a more precise electronic measurement system.
2Reliability
If maintenance is scheduled based on vehicle operation time, then maintenance can be planned, but it may not address actual attachment wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where attachment usage data is continuously monitored and fed back to the maintenance scheduling system. This feedback loop allows maintenance intervals to be dynamically adjusted based on actual attachment usage patterns, ensuring maintenance is performed when truly needed rather than on a fixed schedule based on vehicle operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed maintenance schedule into a dynamic system that adapts to actual attachment usage conditions. The maintenance intervals and timing are made variable based on real-time or near-real-time usage data, allowing the system to respond to changing operational conditions and attachment wear rates.
3Reliability
If attachments are inspected frequently in hostile environments, then wear and damage can be detected, but equipment downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary monitoring actions that continuously track attachment usage and condition parameters during normal operation. By detecting early signs of wear or abnormal conditions through sensors and usage tracking, the system can schedule maintenance at optimal moments before failure occurs, minimizing unexpected downtime while avoiding unnecessary inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the attachment monitoring system to automatically track and report its own usage and condition data without requiring manual inspection. The system self-monitors hydraulic flow, electrical signals, and operational parameters, providing continuous condition assessment that eliminates the need for frequent manual checks and reduces associated downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are provided for monitoring usage operation of equipment carried on a vehicle. A vision system generates target device data representative of an obtained image of a set of target devices carried on a loader. Loader monitoring logic is executed by a processor to determine a current loader movement of the loader from first to second loader poses based on the target device data. Maintenance alert data is generated based on a sum of a first time duration of the current loader movement and an aggregated time duration of previously determined loader movements of the loader exceeding a predetermined loader maintenance time threshold. A maintenance alert image is generated based on the maintenance alert data and is displayed on a screen viewable by an operator. The maintenance alert image includes maintenance notification information to alert the operator of required loader maintenance.