Wheel Loader Motion Display System for Operator Training

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for wheel loaders lack an efficient method to recognize and control the motion state, making it difficult for operators to perform tasks effectively and requiring advanced skills and training.

Innovation Solution

A display system and method for controlling the wheel loader that includes a second processor to generate motion images based on work machine motion data, allowing for easy recognition of the motion state and providing a work screen with various types of information, including motion, position, and event data, enabling improved operator training and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple levers and accelerators are operated to control wheel loader motions, then the wheel loader can perform excavation and loading works, but the operation becomes complex and requires advanced skills

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the wheel loader's motion state through a display system that generates 3D model images. This virtual representation allows operators to observe the actual motion state without directly managing multiple levers and accelerators, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time visual feedback by displaying the current motion state of the wheel loader through processed images from multiple cameras. This feedback loop enables operators to understand the machine's state and adjust controls more easily, reducing the skill requirement while maintaining precise control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If a support image is provided to help operators recognize motion state, then operator training is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display system serves multiple functions: it provides real-time motion state visualization for operator training, enables remote monitoring, and supports both novice and experienced operators. This multi-functionality justifies the added system complexity by delivering value across multiple operational scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system transforms 2D camera images into 3D model representations, adding a dimensional layer of information that clearly depicts the wheel loader's motion state. This dimensional transformation makes the motion state more intuitive and easier to understand, improving training efficiency without requiring excessive system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are used to capture motion state information, then the motion state can be accurately represented, but the system complexity and data processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges data from multiple cameras by processing their images through a common algorithm that generates a unified 3D model representation. This consolidation approach maintains measurement precision while reducing the effective complexity by treating multiple camera inputs as a single integrated system rather than separate complex subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3783156B1Display system of wheel loader and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 KOMATSU LTD
  • EP3783156B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3783156B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3783156B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(F)

AI summary

A display system of a wheel loader includes an obtaining unit that obtains work machine motion information including an articulation angle, a motion image generator that generates a motion image including an articulated state of the wheel loader based on the work machine motion information obtained by the obtaining unit, and a display that shows the motion image.