Smart Glasses Load Display for Safer Lifting Vehicle Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current lifting vehicles require operators to divert their attention from the operational field to read load diagrams, which can lead to maneuvering errors, especially when using traditional graphical or digital displays that are not aligned with the operator's vision during vehicle operation.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional lifting vehicle equipped with a smart display device, such as smart glasses, connected to an electronic control unit that processes stability data from sensors to provide a real-time load diagram directly in the operator's line of sight, allowing safe operation without the need to look away from the vehicle's surroundings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional graphical or digital displays are used to show load diagrams, then the operator can access stability information, but the operator must divert attention from the operational field leading to maneuvering errors

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidoperator attention
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the load diagram display from traditional 2D screens (requiring operator head movement) to an augmented reality overlay in the operator's field of vision. This dimensional change in information presentation allows the operator to view stability data without diverting attention from the operational area, directly resolving the contradiction between safety information access and operational focus

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a camera and display system as an intermediary between the operator and the load diagram information. Instead of the operator directly viewing traditional displays, the camera captures the operational field and overlays stability data through a display device in the operator's vision path, allowing simultaneous access to both operational view and safety information without attention diversion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If fixed screens are placed in the control cab to display load diagrams, then digital information can be provided, but the operator cannot view both the screen and the operational field simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload diagram visibilityVSAvoidoperator reaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the operational field view with the load diagram display by overlaying stability data directly onto the operator's view of the work area through augmented reality technology. This combining of information layers eliminates the need to switch between separate screens and operational views, preventing information loss while avoiding time loss associated with operator attention shifts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a third dimension of information presentation by projecting load diagram data into the operator's field of vision rather than using traditional 2D screens. This allows the operator to perceive both operational and stability information in the same visual space simultaneously, eliminating the sequential viewing requirement that causes time loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If remote control devices are used to operate the vehicle, then the operator can control from a distance, but the operator still cannot view the load diagram without looking away from the operational area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidinformation access during operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a camera as an intermediary to capture and transmit the operational field view to the remote operator, while simultaneously overlaying load diagram data through the display device. This allows the operator to maintain remote control capability while having both operational view and stability information presented together in their field of vision, resolving the information access problem during remote operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4477612A1A multifunctional lifting vehicle and related intelligent display device
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 MERLO PROJECT SRL
  • EP4477612A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4477612A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4477612A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A multifunctional lifting vehicle (1) comprising: - a base frame (2), - a lifting assembly (5) including at least one operating arm equipped with an attachment (7) for mounting a tool (8), - a drive system for activating said lifting assembly (5), - a control system (12) associated with said drive system, - wherein said control system (12) comprises an electronic control unit (E) operatively connected to a plurality of sensors (13,14,15,16) arranged to acquire a plurality of vehicle stability data, including the position of the arm with respect to the base frame (2) and the mass of the lifted load, - the vehicle (1) further comprising a smart display device (19) operatively connected to said electronic control unit (E) to display a load diagram of the vehicle. The smart display device (19) is made in the form of smart glasses wearable by an operator who controls the vehicle (1).