System and method for cargo load height observation
AssigneeCottrell, Inc.
InventorsPatrick Penland, Gerard Biagi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Exemplary embodiments of a system and method for cargo height observation are disclosed. Certain embodiments are configured such that a user, such as a tractor operator, may verify that an overall height of the car hauler, as may be dictated by the height positions of one or more vehicles positioned on ramps associated with an upper deck of the car hauler, is below a predetermined allowable height for the car hauler when being transported over public or private roadways.
Claims14
A system for height observation on a car hauler comprised of a head ramp and articulating trailer, the system comprising:
- a first telescoping tube assembly mounted in association with the head ramp of the car hauler, wherein the car hauler is configured to transport a payload comprised of one or more vehicles;
- a first sensor mounted in association with the first telescoping tube assembly, whereby extension and retraction of the first telescoping tube assembly operates to adjust a position of the first sensor;
- a second telescoping tube assembly mounted in association with the articulating trailer of the car hauler;
- and
- a second sensor mounted in association with the second telescoping tube assembly, whereby extension and retraction of the second telescoping tube assembly operates to adjust a position of the second sensor;
- a user interface in communication with the first telescoping tube assembly and the first sensor, and in communication with the second telescoping tube assembly and the second sensor;
- and
- a monitoring component in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor;
- wherein when the first telescoping tube assembly is extended such that the first sensor is aligned with a first predetermined height, an output of the sensor displayed on the monitor provides indication of any one or more of the vehicles residing in the head ramp of the car hauler exceeding the first predetermined height;
- and
- wherein when the second telescoping tube assembly is extended such that the second sensor is aligned with a second predetermined height, an output of the sensor displayed on the monitor provides indication of any one or more of the vehicles residing in the articulating trailer of the car hauler exceeding the second predetermined height;
- and
- wherein each of the first sensor and second sensor is one of a camera, a time of flight (“TOF”) laser, a light detection and ranging scanner (“LIDAR”), and an infrared transmitter/receiver.
A method for height observation on a car hauler comprised of a head ramp and articulating trailer, the method comprising:
- mounting a first sensor in association with the head ramp of the car hauler and a second sensor in association with the articulating trailer of the car hauler, wherein the first and second sensors are operable to be positioned in alignment with a predetermined clearance height for a cargo of vehicles residing on the car hauler;
- for each of the first and second sensors, positioning the sensor in alignment with the predetermined clearance height;
- receiving signals from each of the first and second sensors and presenting a feedback to a user for each of the first and second sensors, wherein the feedback is based on the received signals;
- based on the feedback, determining if any one or more of the vehicles in the cargo exceed the predetermined clearance height;
- and
- if any one or more of the vehicles in the cargo exceed the predetermined clearance height, adjusting decks of the car hauler to lower the one or more vehicles;
- and
- wherein each of the first sensor and second sensor is one of a camera, a time of flight (“TOF”) laser, a light detection and ranging scanner (“LIDAR”), and an infrared transmitter/receiver.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.