Daniel R Wahl

Title: Innovations by Daniel R Wahl

Introduction

Daniel R Wahl is an accomplished inventor based in Chicago, IL, with a notable portfolio of three patents. His work primarily focuses on advancements in automation and robotics, particularly in the context of autonomous vehicles.

Latest Patents

One of Wahl's latest patents is a system and method for the connection of service lines to trailer fronts by automated trucks. This invention provides a system and method for allowing the motion of a robotic manipulator on an autonomous vehicle (AV) truck to connect to a native gladhand on a trailer front. It constructs a model of the free space on-the-fly, similar to an Obstacle Detection and Obstacle Avoidance (OD/OA) system. The robotic arm on the AV truck is designed to connect a pneumatic line to the gladhand on the trailer front. A first 3D sensor generates a point cloud and is positioned at an elevated location on the truck to image the trailer front. A second 3D sensor also generates point clouds during robot motion, located adjacent to the end of the robotic arm. An occlusion mapping process creates an occlusion map of the trailer front, while a map update process modifies the occlusion map to ensure safe guidance of the robot.

Another significant patent is the high degree of freedom (DOF) control apparatus. This apparatus includes a base attached to a strain gauge assembly that is movable in three orthogonal directions. It provides signals indicative of the position of the strain gauge assembly relative to the base. The actuator assembly is supported on the base and can be moved by an operator's arm, hand, digit, or wrist. It provides signals indicative of the position of the operator's limb in at least seven degrees of freedom relative to the base structure. The actuator assembly features a wrist angle stage and a digit angle stage, while the strain gauge assembly includes a spring plate and a load cell that signals deflection relative to the base.

Career Highlights

Wahl has worked with several companies, including HDT Robotics, Inc. and HDT Expeditionary Systems, Inc. His contributions to these organizations have significantly advanced the field of robotics and automation.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Wahl has collaborated with notable professionals such as Chad Dize and Thomas W Van Doren. These partnerships have fostered innovation and development in his projects.

Conclusion

Daniel R Wahl is