Autonomous Sensor Mounting Structure for Unobstructed Walkway Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous work machines face challenges in mounting sensors in a way that minimally obstructs the walkway for worker access and can be easily disassembled for shipping, particularly in large machines like mining trucks.
Innovation Solution
A mounting structure comprising a pair of vertical posts, a middle cross member, a top cross member, and a diagonal support, with rear-facing angled supports, allows sensors to be mounted on the bumper forward of the walkway, ensuring unobstructed access and easy disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted on the bumper forward of the walkway, then sensor positioning accuracy is improved, but the walkway becomes obstructed and worker access is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is divided into multiple segments: a first portion that mounts to the bumper and positions sensors forward, and a second portion that extends rearward to support the walkway. This segmentation allows the sensor mounting function and walkway support function to be separated in space, resolving the contradiction between accurate sensor positioning and unobstructed worker access.
2Measurement precision
If the mounting structure is made large to support sensors accurately, then sensor positioning is improved, but the structure becomes difficult to disassemble for shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed as separable segments that can be easily disassembled. The first portion mounts to the bumper and the second portion supports the walkway, with connection mechanisms that allow straightforward assembly and disassembly. This enables accurate sensor positioning while maintaining ease of shipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure incorporates adjustable and removable components that allow it to be configured for shipping and reconfigured for operation. The dynamic nature of the assembly enables it to transition between a compact shipped state and an operational deployed state, resolving the contradiction between structural size for accuracy and ease of disassembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine having a frame, a ground engaging member supporting the frame, an engine supported by the frame, a control module configured to control operation of the work machine, a bumper associated with the frame forward of the engine, the bumper supporting a walkway for a person to access the engine and the control module, and an autonomous sensor structure mounted to the bumper forward of the walkway having a main structure attached to the bumper, the main structure formed by a pair of vertical posts, a middle cross member, a top cross member, and a diagonal support, each extending between the pair of vertical posts, a pair of rear-facing angled supports extending from the top cross member and attached to the frame such that the walkway is unobstructed, and a plurality of sensors mounted to the main structure and connected to the control module.