Tracked Vehicle Track Wear Monitoring Using 2D and 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles, such as agricultural and construction vehicles, face challenges in monitoring and managing the wear and deterioration of their track systems, leading to suboptimal performance and increased maintenance costs due to the lack of effective tracking and monitoring solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for monitoring the track systems of off-road vehicles using image processing and 3D scanning technologies to assess the physical state of tracks and components, generating signals for user feedback, remote transmission, and scheduling maintenance, which includes an image data capture device, image processing device, and a processor to analyze images and determine physical characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of track systems is performed, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability of track condition assessment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated image capture devices and processing systems. The system uses cameras or sensors to capture images of the track, then employs image processing algorithms to automatically measure wear, damage, and physical characteristics, eliminating the need for manual measurement while significantly improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the track system using image capture devices. These images serve as replicas that can be analyzed without physically touching or disturbing the track, allowing for precise measurement of wear and damage while maintaining the integrity of the original component.
2Reliability
If frequent manual inspections are conducted, then reliability of track condition monitoring is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous or near-continuous monitoring of the track system through automated image capture and processing. Instead of periodic manual inspections that interrupt operations, the system can continuously capture images and analyze track condition, providing ongoing reliability information without stopping vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring by automatically capturing images of the track and processing them to assess wear and damage. The image processing device autonomously analyzes the captured data and generates condition assessments without requiring human intervention, making the monitoring process efficient and time-saving.
3Manufacturing precision
If detailed track condition data is collected, then manufacturing precision of maintenance decisions is improved, but loss of information processing capacity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for maintenance decisions from the captured images. The image processing device identifies and measures specific parameters such as wear depth, damage location, and critical dimensions, separating relevant data from unnecessary information. This extraction approach provides precise maintenance guidance while managing data processing efficiency.
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
The system provides accurate and timely monitoring of track wear and damage, enabling improved vehicle performance, reduced maintenance costs, and optimized maintenance scheduling by providing detailed insights into the condition of track systems.
Implementation Method 1
an image data capture device (e.g., a camera or other electronic device) can be used to capture image data that may represent information about the vehicle, including information about the track system
Implementation Method 2
an image processing device can be used to process the image data to determine information about the vehicle, including information about the track system
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle comprising a track system can be monitored to obtain information regarding the vehicle, including information regarding the track system, such as an indication of a physical state of a track and/or other component of the track system based on at least on 3D recognition and/or 2D recognition of image data of a track system component.