Loader Vision Positioning for Tool Carrier Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators face challenges in efficiently positioning and aligning loaders with implements due to limited visibility and spatial perception, leading to increased stress, productivity loss, and unnecessary component usage.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that provide loader height and level detection using a vision system, assisting operators in positioning the loader by displaying current and desired heights and angles, and automatically controlling the loader's movements to achieve desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If operators use manual trial-and-error methods for loader positioning and alignment, then they can complete operations without additional equipment, but productivity decreases and time is wasted due to multiple attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors loader boom position, tool carrier position, and implement position using sensors and vision systems, providing real-time feedback to the operator through display interfaces. This feedback loop enables precise positioning without trial-and-error methods, directly improving productivity and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and physical trial-and-error positioning with an automated vision-based measurement and control system. Cameras and sensors capture spatial information, and a control system processes this data to determine precise loader and implement positions, substituting mechanical operator judgment with automated optical measurement.
2Reliability
If operators manually verify alignment between tool carrier and implement, then they can ensure proper connection, but significant time is spent on this repetitive task
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses vision sensors and position sensors to continuously monitor and provide feedback on the relative positions of the tool carrier and implement. This automated feedback replaces manual verification, maintaining alignment accuracy while eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The loader positioning system performs self-verification of alignment between the tool carrier and implement through automated vision and sensor systems. The system independently determines positional relationships and provides guidance without requiring continuous manual intervention, reducing time loss while maintaining reliability.
3Length of moving object
If the boom is used to reach distant implements, then attachment capability is extended, but the boom blocks the operator's view of the tool carrier
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces vision sensors, cameras, and display interfaces as intermediaries between the operator and the loader components. These intermediaries capture visual information about the tool carrier and implement positions and transmit this information to the operator, bypassing the physical blockage caused by the boom structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct visual observation through the operator's eyes with an electronic vision system consisting of cameras and displays. This substitution allows the operator to see past the physical obstruction of the boom, maintaining ease of operation while preserving the extended reach capability.
4Productivity
If operators perform repetitive loader positioning operations, then material handling efficiency improves, but operator stress and fatigue increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated real-time feedback on loader position, tool carrier position, and implement position, enabling operators to perform repetitive positioning tasks with precision guidance. This reduces the cognitive load and stress associated with manual trial-and-error methods while maintaining high material handling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes automated vision-based positioning assistance for manual operator judgment in repetitive positioning tasks. This reduces operator fatigue and stress by eliminating the need for continuous visual estimation and physical adjustment, while maintaining or improving material handling efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A positioning assist apparatus includes a vision system that generates target device data representative of an obtained image of a set of target devices carried on the boom or tool carrier of the loader or on both, and positioning assist logic executable by a processor to determine a current position and/or pose of the loader based on the target device data, and to generate current loader position data representative of the determined current position of the loader. The loader positon is based on loader height as may be represented by boom angle, and tool carrier angle. Data is generated for display to an operator to visually communicate movement instructions to the operator and/or to generate control signals controlling the loader, each to move the loader from the determined current position to a desired position in response to a return to position (RTP) command received by the apparatus.