3D Tool Control with Adaptive Collision Avoidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current machine control systems lack the ability to accurately detect and position objects in 3D space, leading to potential collisions and inefficient operation, especially in complex work environments with multiple obstacles and varying object dimensions and weights.

Innovation Solution

A control system that utilizes sensing means to provide position and orientation data of tools and machines within a 3D work site space, allowing for adaptive operation modes based on object and obstacle detection, safety zones, and operator skill levels, with feedback mechanisms to prevent collisions and optimize handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional control systems are used without 3D object detection, then the system complexity is low, but collision prevention capability and operational safety deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision prevention capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A control unit acts as an intermediary between the detecting means (sensors, cameras, LIDAR) and the tool control system. The control unit processes 3D position and orientation data of objects and machine components, then generates appropriate control signals to prevent collisions and optimize tool operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between added detection complexity and improved safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously detects the 3D positions of objects and machine components, feeds this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts tool operation in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables dynamic collision prevention and operational optimization, transforming the static control system into an adaptive safety-oriented system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If 3D object detection and positioning is implemented, then operational safety and collision prevention improve, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting means and control unit serve multiple functions: they detect object positions, determine orientations, calculate safety zones, optimize tool paths, and prevent collisions. By making the detection system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate specialized systems, thereby improving operational safety without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects objects, determines their positions and orientations, calculates appropriate safety zones, and adjusts tool operation without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability enhances operational safety while reducing the complexity of manual monitoring and control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If adaptive operation modes are implemented based on object detection, then tool handling efficiency improves, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool handling efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adapts operation modes based on real-time detection data. The control unit adjusts tool speed, position, and orientation according to the detected object characteristics and calculated safety zones, enabling efficient and safe handling of diverse objects without requiring multiple fixed control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3594417B1Control system for controlling a tool of a machine
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 NOVATRON
  • EP3594417B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3594417B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3594417B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A control system (CS) for controlling a tool (3) of a machine (E). The control system (CS) comprises at least one controller (CO) and detecting means (DM), the detecting means (DM) comprising at least one range finder device (10) for at least partly detecting and positioning an object (16, 17) with regards to the tool (3) in 3D space. An operation mode of the at least one controller (CO) depends at least in part on the object (16, 17). Further a machine (E) and a method for controlling a tool (3) of the machine (E).