Utility Vehicle Work Tool Pressure Control Using Surface Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling the pressure of a work tool on a utility vehicle to achieve a desired amount of material movement is challenging due to variations in the surface profile and material properties, leading to increased wear and operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes an imaging apparatus to capture images of the surface, an electronic processor to evaluate the images, and movement mechanisms to adjust the work tool's pressure based on the evaluation, allowing for real-time adjustments to optimize material movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of work tool pressure is used, then operator can adjust pressure, but operator fatigue increases and adjustment frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service control by using the imaging apparatus to automatically detect surface conditions and the electronic processor to calculate optimal pressure settings, eliminating the need for continuous manual adjustment by the operator
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously capturing images of the surface, evaluating the results, and automatically adjusting work tool pressure based on the detected surface conditions and material properties
2Ease of operation
If manual control of work tool pressure is used, then operator can adjust pressure, but wear on work tool parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from image evaluation to continuously monitor surface conditions and automatically adjust pressure, preventing excessive pressure application that would cause premature wear on work tool parts
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure control with an automated electronic control system that uses imaging and processing to determine optimal pressure settings, reducing operator fatigue and improving pressure control precision
3Ease of operation
If automatic pressure adjustment system is implemented, then operator fatigue is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging apparatus serves multiple functions: capturing surface images, detecting surface conditions, and providing data for pressure calculation, reducing the need for separate sensing systems and overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with an example embodiment, a system for controlling a work tool for a utility vehicle, the system comprising the work tool, one or more movement mechanisms coupled with the work tool, an imaging apparatus, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to apply the work tool to a surface during movement of a utility vehicle, wherein the work tool is in a first position exerting a first pressure towards the surface, capture, by the first imaging apparatus, a first image of the surface proximate the work tool, evaluate, by a processor, the first image to determine an area of the surface affected by the work tool, and adjust, by the one or more moving mechanisms, the work tool to a second position exerting a second pressure towards the surface, based on the evaluation of the first image.