Multi-pass Unloading Spout Control via Stereo Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for unloading material from leading vehicles into receiving vehicles face challenges in maintaining efficient and even filling, often resulting in material spillage due to misalignment of the unloading spout and flap control.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an automated fill-to-weight unloading operation that uses a stereo camera on the spout to capture images of the receiving vehicle, allowing for automatic control of the spout and flap position to achieve an even fill pattern, while also incorporating machine synchronization to adjust the relative position of the vehicles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the operator manually controls the unloading spout and flap position, then the receiving vehicle can be filled, but material spillage occurs due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated vision-based control system. A stereo camera captures images of the receiving vehicle, and a controller automatically adjusts the spout and flap positions based on image analysis, eliminating the need for manual operator control and preventing material spillage through precise automated positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback by continuously capturing images of the receiving vehicle with the stereo camera, analyzing the fill level and spout position, and automatically adjusting the spout and flap positions to maintain optimal alignment. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures material is deposited accurately without spillage.
2Manufacturing precision
If the operator devotes large attention to controlling the harvester and unloading position, then filling accuracy improves, but harvesting efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the controller independently manages spout and flap positioning based on stereo camera input. The operator only needs to monitor the overall process, while the system automatically adjusts positions to maintain filling accuracy, freeing the operator to focus on harvesting operations and improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the operator's manual control functions with an automated control system that uses stereo vision to monitor and adjust spout and flap positions. This substitution maintains precise filling control while allowing the operator to devote full attention to harvesting, thereby improving both accuracy and productivity simultaneously.
3Manufacturing precision
If a single-pass filling method is used, then the unloading process is quick, but even distribution of material is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filling process into multiple sequential passes, with the stereo camera identifying different target positions for material deposition in each pass. The controller systematically moves the spout to different locations along the receiving vehicle, depositing material in controlled segments that collectively achieve even distribution throughout the vehicle while maintaining efficient operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A leading vehicle loads material into a receiving vehicle during an unloading operation. The unloading operation loads the receiving vehicle according to a multi-pass fill pattern.