3D Sensor Coupling Aid for Self-Propelled Vehicle Attachments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for coupling self-propelled work vehicles with attachment implements rely heavily on operator intuition, which can lead to alignment issues, especially in low visibility conditions or uneven terrain, often requiring a second person to assist in navigating the vehicle and boom assembly.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a plurality of sensing elements on the vehicle and attachment implement, with corresponding sensor modules and magnets, provides a 3D spatial orientation display on an operator interface, facilitating precise alignment and reducing the need for a second operator by indicating alignment and distance through dynamic indicators and color-coding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment methods are used, then operator intuition and training are sufficient for coupling, but alignment precision deteriorates in low visibility conditions and on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual alignment methods with an automated optical sensing system. Sensors mounted on the vehicle and attachment implement automatically detect relative position and orientation, eliminating reliance on operator intuition and visual estimation. This substitution of mechanical/manual alignment with optical measurement systems resolves the contradiction by providing precise alignment data regardless of visibility conditions or terrain unevenness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors and a control system as intermediaries between the operator and the coupling process. These intermediaries automatically measure alignment parameters and provide feedback to the operator or directly control the coupling mechanism, serving as a bridge that translates physical alignment requirements into actionable guidance while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If a second person assists in navigation, then alignment precision improves, but device complexity and operational overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the coupling system to serve itself by equipping both the vehicle and attachment implement with sensors that automatically detect and report their relative alignment. The system self-measures position and orientation without requiring external assistance, eliminating the need for a second person while maintaining high alignment precision through automated feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the human assistant role with an automated sensor-based navigation system. Optical sensors and processing electronics replace the functions previously performed by a second person, providing continuous alignment data and guidance without requiring additional human operators, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.
3Device complexity
If visual alignment from operator cab is used, then no additional equipment is needed, but visibility and detection capability deteriorate at close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual detection from the operator cab with mounted sensors positioned at the coupling interface. These sensors provide close-range detection capability that is insensitive to visibility conditions, allowing precise measurement of alignment parameters when the vehicle and attachment are in proximity, thereby resolving the detection limitation without significantly increasing system complexity.
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
This system enhances operational ease and efficiency, particularly for less-skilled operators, by providing real-time alignment feedback, allowing for precise coupling without additional assistance, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
A first set of magnetic sensors mounted in a defined orientation with respect to the coupler on the work vehicle, and a like number of magnetic targets mounted in a corresponding defined orientation on the attachment implement
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed herein for navigating an operator of a self-propelled vehicle for coupling with an attachment implement therefor. Each one of a first set of sensing elements arranged on the vehicle coupler forms a sensing pair with a respective one of a set of second sensing elements arranged on the attachment implement. Indicia for each of the sensing pairs on a user interface is displayed to the operator, corresponding to a three-dimensional spatial orientation of the first and second sensing elements with respect to each other. The user interface may comprise respective portions for each sensing pair, each portion comprising an indicator dynamically adjusted in a crosshair corresponding to first and second dimensions of alignment of the corresponding sensing elements with respect to each other, and the indicator in each portion further dynamically adjusted in appearance corresponding to a third dimension of distance between the corresponding sensing elements.