Unloading Nudge Indicator for Vehicle Position Change Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of agricultural and construction vehicles face challenges in maintaining efficient unloading operations due to the need to constantly adjust vehicle positions to prevent material spillage, especially when the receiving vehicle is behind or alongside the loading vehicle, leading to potential misalignment and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a warning communication for both leading and following vehicles before a nudge operation, indicating the direction and duration of the impending position change, allowing operators to prepare and reducing the likelihood of errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operator manually controls the position of the unloading spout and flap to fill the truck or cart evenly, then the unloading operation can be performed, but the operator requires large amounts of attention and time, reducing harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the unloading operation to control itself through automated detection and control mechanisms. Sensors detect the position of the receiving vehicle and the spout automatically adjusts the flap position and material flow rate without operator intervention, making the system self-regulating during unloading
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. The system substitutes the operator's mechanical adjustments with an automated feedback loop that continuously monitors and adjusts spout position, flap angle, and material flow rate based on real-time vehicle position data
2Loss of substance
If the operator controls the unloading spout and flap position to prevent material spillage, then material can be loaded into the truck or cart, but momentary misalignment causes hundreds of pounds of material to be dumped on the ground, resulting in loss of substance
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the relative position between the leading vehicle's spout and the following vehicle's receiving area using sensors and communication systems. This real-time feedback allows the control system to automatically adjust the flap position and material flow rate to maintain proper alignment and prevent spillage
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary positioning adjustments before material discharge begins. The automated control system pre-adjusts the spout position and flap angle based on detected vehicle positions, ensuring proper alignment is established before the unloading process starts, thereby preventing misalignment and spillage
3Stability of the object's composition
If the leading vehicle maintains a stable position during unloading, then the unloading process can proceed, but the following vehicle may become misaligned, requiring position changes that disrupt the unloading operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vehicle positions during the unloading operation. The leading vehicle can nudge the following vehicle to maintain optimal alignment, and the control system continuously adapts spout and flap positions based on real-time relative position changes, allowing both vehicles to move dynamically while maintaining efficient material transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A leading vehicle controls a following vehicle during a fill operation to change the positions of the two vehicles relative to one another. A control system generates a communication signal indicating that a position change operation that changes the position of the vehicles relative to one another is about to be executed. An operator display displays an indication of the position change operation prior to commencing the position change operation.