Smart Load Diagram Display for Lifting Vehicle Stability

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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.

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 field of vision, allowing safe operation without the need to look away.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload diagram informationVSAvoidmaneuvering safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the display medium from traditional 2D screens (fixed in control cabs or on platforms) to 3D smart glasses that provide immersive, three-dimensional visualization of load diagrams directly in the operator's field of vision. This dimensional change allows the operator to view critical load information without diverting attention from the operational environment, thereby maintaining maneuvering safety while preventing information loss.

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

2Loss of information

If fixed screens are placed in the control cab or on the platform, then the load diagram can be displayed digitally, but the operator cannot view it and the operational field simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload diagram visibilityVSAvoidoperator attention
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces smart glasses as an intermediary device between the control system and the operator. These smart glasses act as a mediator that delivers load diagram information directly to the operator's visual field, eliminating the need for the operator to shift attention between fixed screens and the operational environment. This intermediary solution resolves the conflict between information visibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If smart glasses are used to display load diagrams, then the operator can maintain focus on the operational environment, but additional wearable equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaneuvering safetyVSAvoiddisplay system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the universal design of smart glasses, which are consumer electronic devices already equipped with display, processing, and wireless communication capabilities. By utilizing this multi-functional platform, the system avoids the need to design and manufacture specialized display equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining maneuvering safety through immersive load diagram visualization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240409380A1Multifunctional lifting vehicle and relative smart display device
Publication Date: 2024.12.12 MERLO PROJECT SRL
  • US20240409380A1 patent drawing
  • US20240409380A1 patent drawing
  • US20240409380A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A multifunctional lifting vehicle includes a base frame, a lifting assembly including at least one operating arm equipped with an attachment for mounting a tool, a drive system for activating said lifting assembly, and a control system associated with said drive system. The control system includes an electronic control unit operatively connected to a plurality of sensors arranged to acquire a plurality of vehicle stability data, including a position of the arm with respect to the base frame and a mass of a lifted load. The vehicle further includes a smart display device operatively connected to said electronic control unit to display a load diagram of the vehicle.