Loader Coupling Overlay Guidance for Obstructed Implement Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of work vehicles face challenges in efficiently and safely coupling loader boom mechanisms with implements due to obstructed views, requiring multiple trials for accurate alignment and attachment, which wastes valuable operational time.
Innovation Solution
A virtual guidance apparatus with a guidance control unit, vision sensor device, and display unit provides visual alignment instructions to assist operators in positioning the loader relative to implements, offering incremental movement guidance for coupling attachment features, overcoming view obstruction issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operator manually positions the loader and tool carrier without visual assistance, then the operator can operate the equipment, but the coupling process becomes time-consuming and inefficient due to obstructed views requiring multiple trials
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy (image) of the implement and tool carrier on a display screen, allowing the operator to see their relative positions without direct line of sight. This optical copy enables accurate positioning guidance while eliminating the need for multiple trial attempts, directly resolving the time loss issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen acts as an intermediary between the operator and the physical components. Instead of directly observing the blocked components, the operator views their representations on the screen, which provides clear visual feedback for positioning the tool carrier relative to the implement without the obstruction problem.
2Length of moving object
If the boom mechanism is used to reach the implement, then the loader can access distant implements, but the boom blocks the operator's view of the tool carrier and implement, making alignment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By displaying visual copies of the tool carrier and implement on a screen, the system eliminates the need for direct visual observation that is blocked by the boom. The operator can see the relative positions and alignment status through the display regardless of the boom's physical obstruction, maintaining ease of operation while preserving reach capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions the visual information from the physical three-dimensional space (where the boom blocks the view) to a two-dimensional display space. This dimensional change allows the operator to view alignment information from angles and perspectives not available in the physical view, overcoming the boom's obstruction.
3Reliability
If multiple trials are performed to achieve proper alignment, then the implement can be successfully coupled, but operational time is significantly wasted during the coupling process
Solution Approach 1:
The display provides continuous visual feedback showing the relative positions of the tool carrier and implement, allowing the operator to immediately see the effect of positioning adjustments. This real-time feedback eliminates guesswork and enables single-attempt successful coupling, maintaining high reliability while dramatically reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the operator to plan and execute the positioning action based on preliminary visual information displayed on the screen before making the actual movement. This preliminary visualization enables the operator to make the correct positioning attempt on the first try, avoiding multiple trials and time waste.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual guidance apparatus assists movement of a loader for connection of a tool carrier with an implement. A vision sensor device generates implement image data representative of an image of an implement adjacent to the tractor. Based on the implement image data relative difference data is generated representative of a relative position between an implement attachment feature that is mutually coupleable with a corresponding carrier attachment feature for coupling the tool carrier with the implement. Based on the relative difference data, alignment guidance data is generated representative of an incremental movement for moving the loader relative to the implement. A visual movement instruction is displayed based on the implement image data and the alignment guidance data superimposed on a viewable image of the implement. The visual movement instruction provides instructions to the operator for moving the loader relative to the implement for coupling the tool carrier with the implement.