Heads-Up Display for Off-Highway Truck Trolley Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trolley-powered machines face inefficiencies and potential damage due to the need for precise alignment with trolley lines and accurate operation of the pantograph, which is challenging in conditions like heavy fog or windblown sand, and existing systems lack effective user-friendly guidance.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensors and a heads-up display (HUD) in the operator cab to provide real-time guidance on the truck's alignment with the trolley line and pantograph operation, using distance sensors and a controller to generate visual and audible cues for the operator to steer and raise/lower the pantograph accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external visual cues such as flags and tape are used to guide the operator, then the operator can see the trolley line position, but in conditions such as heavy fog or windblown sand, it becomes difficult for the operator to clearly see the external visual cues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces external mechanical visual cues (flags, tape) with an electronic display system that provides graphical representation of the trolley line position and machine alignment. The display generator creates visual guidance information internally rather than relying on external physical markers that are obscured by weather conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system (sensors and display generator) that mediates between the actual trolley line position and the operator's perception. Instead of directly observing external cues, the operator views processed graphical information that represents the relationship between the machine and trolley line, filtering out adverse weather effects.
2Device complexity
If the operator must manually track the trolley line and operate the pantograph, then the system remains simple, but the operator requires constant attention and manual intervention to maintain alignment and avoid damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously detect the machine's position relative to the trolley line, and the display generator provides real-time visual feedback to the operator. This closed-loop information flow enables the operator to make informed adjustments without constant manual intervention or complex automated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service guidance by automatically detecting position information and presenting it to the operator in an easily interpretable format. The operator receives ready-to-use alignment information without needing to manually measure or calculate position, reducing operational complexity while maintaining system simplicity.
3Illumination intensity
If ample external lighting is provided along the trolley line to improve visibility of flags and cues, then the operator can see external cues better, but the system requires additional infrastructure and energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for external lighting infrastructure with an electronic display system that generates its own visual information internally. The display generator creates graphical representations of trolley line position that are visible within the operator cab without requiring external light sources, eliminating the energy consumption associated with roadside lighting.
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
Enhances operational efficiency by maintaining contact with the trolley line, reducing the risk of damage, and allowing continuous use of trolley power while ensuring the operator's safety and awareness of their surroundings.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensors located and configured to gather data indicative of a position of the off-highway truck relative to the trolley line
Data Source
AI summary
A display for use in an off-highway truck includes a position element providing an indication to an operator of the off-highway truck to align the off-highway truck with an overhead trolley line as well as a pantograph element providing an indication to the operator to raise or lower a pantograph associated with the off-highway truck to respectively make or break contact with the overhead trolley line. In an optional aspect, an alarm indicator may be provided for signaling an alarm condition to the operator of the off-highway truck.