Reach Placement Tool for Point Reachability Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reaching apparatuses, such as booms and telehandlers, lack the ability to accurately determine the reachability of multiple points of interest at a worksite, leading to inefficient placement and potential operational limitations.
Innovation Solution
A reach and placement tool equipped with an eyepiece, orientation sensor, and distance sensor, which uses polar coordinates and reach envelopes to determine if points of interest are within the reach of a particular apparatus, providing real-time notifications to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual methods are used to determine reachability, then the process is simple, but the accuracy and efficiency of determining multiple points of interest are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment methods with an automated optical-electronic measurement system. The reach and placement tool uses distance sensors (optical/laser) and orientation sensors (electronic) to automatically calculate coordinates and compare them against reach envelopes, substituting human judgment with precise sensor-based measurement and computational analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational intermediary layer between the physical reach apparatus and the points of interest. The controller processes sensor data, calculates coordinates, retrieves reach envelope data, and performs automated comparisons, serving as an intelligent mediator that translates physical measurements into reachability determinations without direct human intervention.
2Productivity
If reach apparatuses are deployed without precise planning, then setup is faster, but operational efficiency decreases due to repositioning needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary determination of reachability for multiple points of interest before actual deployment. By using the reach and placement tool to assess all target locations in advance and identify optimal placement positions, the system allows operators to plan the entire operation beforehand, ensuring first-attempt success and eliminating time-consuming repositioning during execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides immediate feedback to operators about reachability status for each point of interest. The display screen shows real-time information about which locations are within reach and which are not, enabling operators to make informed decisions about apparatus placement and operation, thereby optimizing productivity through data-driven decision-making.
3Loss of information
If multiple points of interest are assessed manually, then the equipment remains simple, but the completeness and accuracy of assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal assessment system that can evaluate multiple different points of interest with a single device. The reach and placement tool can assess any number of locations by simply pointing the device at each point, storing coordinates, and comparing against reach envelopes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools or complex manual measurement procedures for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces cumbersome manual assessment procedures with an automated sensor-based system. The device automatically captures distance and orientation data, calculates three-dimensional coordinates, retrieves appropriate reach envelope data, and performs comparisons, providing complete and accurate assessment of multiple points of interest without the errors and omissions inherent in manual methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise determination of reachable points of interest, allowing for optimal placement of reaching apparatuses without actual deployment, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing setup time.
Implementation Method 1
an orientation sensor... configured to obtain an orientation when the reach and placement tool is directed towards a point of interest
Implementation Method 2
a distance sensor... configured to obtain a distance value when the reach and placement tool is directed towards a point of interest
Data Source
AI summary
A reach and placement tool includes an eyepiece, an orientation sensor, a distance sensor, and a controller. The controller is configured to obtain a distance value and an orientation from the distance sensor and the orientation sensor when the reach and placement tool is directed towards a point of interest at a particular location. The controller is also configured to determine a coordinate of the point of interest using the distance value and the orientation, and compare the coordinate of the point of interest to a reach envelope to determine if the point of interest is within range of a particular reach apparatus.