Loading Space Video Feed for Safer Construction Vehicle Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
The coordination between construction machines and transport vehicles during loading and unloading is hindered by inadequate communication, leading to issues with uniform material distribution, potential collisions, and inaccurate estimation of load weight, which affects traffic safety and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring an image-recording device mounted on the construction machine aligned towards the transport vehicle's loading space, transmitting data to a reception and display device on the transport vehicle, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of the loading and unloading processes, including collision avoidance and optimal positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the operator of the construction machine uses audible signals (horn alerts) to communicate with the driver of the transport vehicle, then the driver can be alerted to start or stop the vehicle, but the driver may fail to hear the signal or be misled by other horn alerts, leading to potential collisions or interrupted operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic communication system (horn alerts) with an optical communication system (image-recording device displaying visual information). The image-recording device mounted on the construction machine captures and transmits visual signals to the transport vehicle driver, eliminating the ambiguity and reliability issues associated with audible horn alerts. This substitution ensures that the driver receives clear, unambiguous visual instructions for starting or stopping the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication system between the construction machine operator and the transport vehicle driver. Instead of direct auditory communication that can be missed or misunderstood, the system uses an image-recording device as an intermediary to transmit visual information. This intermediary ensures that communication instructions are clearly conveyed and reliably received by the driver.
2Loss of information
If the operator of the construction machine relies on visual observation to monitor the loading space, then the operator can see the discharge point position, but the operator cannot accurately estimate the weight of bulk material or the filling level of the transport vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation with an automated image-recording and evaluation system. The image-recording device mounted on the construction machine captures images of the transport vehicle's loading space, and an evaluation unit processes these images to determine the filling level and calculate the weight of bulk material. This substitution provides precise, objective measurements rather than subjective visual estimates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the loading space using the image-recording device. This optical copy is then analyzed by the evaluation unit to extract quantitative information about the filling level and material weight. The copying process enables remote, accurate measurement without requiring the operator to physically inspect or estimate the load.
3Productivity
If the transport vehicle moves forward continuously while being loaded, then the loading process is efficient, but the point of discharge travels along the loading surface, making it difficult to achieve uniform material distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the image-recording device continuously monitors the position of the discharge point and the filling level in the transport vehicle's loading space. The evaluation unit processes this visual information and provides feedback to the operator, enabling real-time adjustments to maintain uniform material distribution while the vehicle moves forward at optimal speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the loading process based on real-time visual feedback. As the transport vehicle moves forward continuously, the system dynamically monitors the discharge point position and material distribution, allowing the operator to adjust the loading parameters to maintain uniformity despite the moving target.
4Reliability
If the transport vehicle approaches the construction machine slowly for docking, then collision risk is reduced, but the docking process takes longer, reducing overall operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual monitoring during docking with an automated image-recording system. The image-recording device provides continuous visual feedback on the relative positions of the transport vehicle and construction machine, enabling the operator to guide the docking process more quickly and safely without increasing collision risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary visual communication system that facilitates safer and faster docking. The image-recording device acts as an intermediary, providing real-time visual information about the docking progress and spatial relationship between vehicles, allowing for more confident and efficient maneuvering during the docking process.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system comprising construction machine, transport vehicle with loading space and image-recording device, wherein the image-recording device is arranged at the construction machine and aligned, as a minimum, also towards the loading space of the transport vehicle, it is specified for the following features to be achieved: that a reception and display device is arranged at or in the transport vehicle, wherein the data recorded by the image-recording device are transmitted to the reception and display device via a transmission device arranged at the construction machine.