Virtual Loader Guidance for Implement Compatibility and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of work vehicles face inefficiencies and productivity losses due to the time spent manually verifying compatibility of implements with loaders and ensuring proper alignment for coupling and engaging loads, especially when new implements are introduced.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual assist apparatus that includes an imaging system, guidance control apparatus, and display unit to assist operators in verifying interoperability of implements with loaders and tractors, and in positioning the loader relative to implements and loads for efficient coupling and engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If operators manually verify compatibility of implements with loaders and ensure proper alignment for coupling, then interoperability and proper engagement are ensured, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical verification and alignment processes with an automated optical imaging system and computer vision algorithms. The imaging system captures images of the implement and loader, and the processor automatically analyzes compatibility and generates alignment guidance, eliminating the need for operators to manually verify interoperability and align components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital representation (image) of the physical implement and loader configuration. By capturing and analyzing images of the actual components, the system generates virtual alignment guidance that mirrors the physical alignment requirements, allowing operators to follow visual instructions rather than performing manual verification.
2Reliability
If operators manually verify compatibility of implements with loaders, then damage prevention is ensured, but operator productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual verification processes with an automated imaging and image processing system. The processor analyzes images to determine compatibility between implements and loaders, providing automated damage prevention without requiring operator time for manual verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service verification where the imaging system and processor automatically determine compatibility and generate alignment guidance without human intervention. The operator simply needs to capture images and follow the generated guidance, significantly reducing the time and effort required for verification while maintaining damage prevention.
3Manufacturing precision
If operators reposition the vehicle to laterally align the tool carrier with the implement, then proper coupling alignment is achieved, but time and operational efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the desired alignment path through generated guidance images. These images show the operator exactly how to position the vehicle and align the tool carrier with the implement, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial-and-error repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the implement and loader configurations through image capture and processing before the actual coupling operation. By determining compatibility and generating alignment guidance in advance, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments during the coupling process itself.
4Manufacturing precision
If operators reposition the vehicle to rotate about the yaw axis for inclination alignment, then proper coupling orientation is achieved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual orientation verification and adjustment with an automated imaging system that captures the current configuration and generates visual guidance for proper alignment. The processor analyzes the images to determine the required rotation and inclination adjustments, providing precise orientation guidance without requiring repeated manual repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual representation of the desired orientation and alignment path through generated guidance images. These images show the operator the exact rotation and inclination adjustments needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial-and-error repositioning operations.
Data Source
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.