Loader Elevation Control via Laser Beam Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional guidance and automated blade control systems for loaders are impractical due to the risk of damage from the harsh operating environment, making it difficult to determine the position and control the implement, such as a loader bucket, effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system using a pair of laser receivers mounted on the lift arms, with a laser transmitter providing a reference beam, calculates the elevation of the implement by determining a fixed point above it, aligned with the receivers, and includes an inclinometer or angle sensor to adjust for orientation, enabling accurate positioning and control without direct sensor exposure to the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a position sensor is mounted directly on the loader implement (such as a bucket), then the elevation measurement process is simplified, but the sensor will be damaged quickly due to rough treatment in the harsh operating environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by mounting the laser receiver on the lift arm rather than directly on the implement. The lift arm serves as a mediator structure that protects the sensor from direct exposure to harsh conditions while still enabling accurate elevation measurement of the implement through geometric calculation based on the known relationship between the sensor position and implement position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the measurement function by using geometric calculations based on the known spatial relationship between the lift arm and implement. Instead of directly measuring the implement, the system calculates the implement's elevation by determining the elevation of a corresponding point on the lift arm and applying geometric transformations, effectively copying the measurement function to a protected location.
2Reliability
If the laser receiver is mounted on the lift arm, then the sensor is protected from harsh conditions, but the implementation complexity increases due to the need for geometric calculations and known distance specifications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing the known distances between the laser receiver on the lift arm and the implement, as well as the geometric relationship between these points. These pre-calculated parameters are stored in the control circuit, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing the operational complexity of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an optical measurement system combined with computational geometry. Instead of using mechanical linkages or direct mechanical coupling to transfer position information, the system uses laser optical measurement combined with pre-stored geometric data to calculate implement position, simplifying the mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system allows for precise determination and control of the implement's elevation and orientation, enhancing operational safety and efficiency by avoiding direct sensor exposure to harsh conditions, while enabling automated control and display of implement position.
Implementation Method 1
The system may include a laser transmitter for transmitting a reference beam of laser light. The first and second elevation sensors may each comprise laser receivers for sensing the reference beam of laser light.
Implementation Method 2
The first and second elevation sensors may each comprise laser receivers for sensing the reference beam of laser light.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining the elevation of a part of an implement, with the implement being attached to the ends of a pair of lift arms of a loader machine, includes a laser transmitter providing a reference beam of laser light. The beam may be a thin beam that is swept in a reference plane, or it may be a pair of fan shaped beams that are continuously rotated. A first beam detector is mounted on one of the pair of lift arms of the loader machine for detecting said reference beam and providing a first output. A second beam detector is mounted on the same lift arm and is spaced along the lift arm from the first beam detector for detecting the reference beam and providing a second output. A control circuit, responsive to the first beam detector and to the second beam detector, determines the elevation of the part of the implement based on the first and second outputs, and provides a projected implement elevation.