Loader Coupling Visual Guidance for Obstructed Implement Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face challenges in efficiently and safely coupling a loader with an implement due to obstructed views from boom structures, requiring multiple trial-and-error positioning attempts, which wastes valuable operational time.
Innovation Solution
A virtual guidance apparatus with a vision sensor device and display unit provides visual alignment instructions, including offset and inclination guidance, to assist operators in positioning the loader relative to the implement for seamless coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator manually positions the loader and tool carrier without visual aids, then the operator can operate the equipment, but the positioning accuracy and coupling efficiency deteriorate due to obstructed views from boom structures
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the physical environment by capturing images of the implement and tool carrier through cameras, then overlays these images with virtual alignment indicators on a display screen. This allows the operator to see the relative positions and alignment status without direct visual observation, resolving the obstruction problem while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen acts as an intermediary between the operator and the physical loader-implement system. Instead of directly observing the physical components, the operator views processed visual information including alignment indicators and movement instructions on the display, which mediates the complex spatial relationships and provides clear guidance for coupling operations
2Reliability
If the operator performs multiple trial-and-error positioning attempts to achieve proper alignment, then the coupling can eventually be achieved, but the operational time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous visual feedback to the operator through the display screen, showing real-time images of the implement and tool carrier with overlaid alignment indicators. The feedback includes visual cues indicating whether the components are properly aligned laterally and in inclination, allowing the operator to make immediate corrections without trial-and-error attempts, thus reducing operational time while ensuring reliable coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the spatial relationships between the implement and tool carrier by processing camera images and calculating alignment status before the operator makes positioning adjustments. The virtual alignment indicators are prepared and displayed in advance, guiding the operator's subsequent actions and preventing unnecessary trial-and-error positioning attempts
3Strength
If the boom structure is used to support the tool carrier, then the loader can handle heavy loads, but the boom blocks the operator's view of the tool carrier and implement
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates visual copies of the implement and tool carrier through camera imaging, allowing the operator to view these components on a display screen rather than through direct optical observation. This virtual copying bypasses the physical obstruction caused by the boom structure while maintaining accurate representation of the components' positions and orientations
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions the viewing experience from the three-dimensional physical space (where the boom blocks the line of sight) to a two-dimensional display space. By projecting the captured images and virtual alignment indicators onto a screen in front of the operator, the system creates a new dimensional plane for observation that is not blocked by the boom structure
Data Source
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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.