Attachment Tool Localization via Acceleration Signal Comparison
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for associating attachment tools with work devices, such as hydraulic excavators, face challenges in reliably identifying the correct tool due to wireless signal interference and the need for accurate association, which is critical for safety and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first communication unit on the attachment tool and a second communication unit at the work device's connection region, both equipped with acceleration sensors, which compare acceleration signals to determine if the tool is correctly attached, using signal strength and movement analysis to ensure accurate identification and association.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless transmission modules are used for identification data exchange, then communication range and ease of operation are improved, but signal interference from multiple tools and association reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acceleration sensors as intermediary devices that detect physical movement and transmit this information through communication units. The control unit acts as a mediator that processes acceleration data from multiple tools and determines which tool is actually attached based on matching acceleration patterns, thereby resolving the ambiguity caused by wireless signal interference from multiple tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring acceleration signals from both the work device and attached tools, comparing these signals to determine proper association. The control unit receives feedback from acceleration sensors and adjusts the identification process accordingly, ensuring reliable tool-device pairing even when multiple tools are present in the wireless communication range.
2Productivity
If multiple attachment tools are stored close together, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but signal interference and association reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
Acceleration sensors serve as intermediaries that provide physical movement data to distinguish the attached tool from nearby stored tools. Even when multiple tools are kept close together for quick access, the acceleration-based identification system can reliably determine which tool is actually attached by comparing acceleration patterns, preventing misidentification despite proximity of multiple tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely wireless electronic identification systems with a hybrid approach that incorporates mechanical acceleration sensing. This substitution allows the system to distinguish between tools based on physical movement characteristics rather than relying solely on wireless signals, enabling reliable identification even when multiple tools are stored close together.
3Device complexity
If wireless identification systems are used without additional sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and association accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using acceleration sensors not only for identification purposes but also for monitoring tool attachment status, detecting tool movements, and verifying proper tool-device pairing. This universal approach allows a single sensor type to serve multiple functions, improving association accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The acceleration sensors and communication units act as intermediaries that bridge the gap between simple wireless identification and precise tool attachment verification. By introducing these intermediary components, the system achieves high measurement precision in tool identification while keeping the overall architecture relatively simple through modular design.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a reliable and automatic method for identifying the correct attachment tool, ensuring only relevant data from the attached tool is transmitted to the work device's control, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by distinguishing between attached and non-attached tools.
Implementation Method 1
The first communication unit comprises a first acceleration sensor by means of which an instantaneous acceleration of the attachment tool can be detected and is configured to provide a first acceleration signal representing the acceleration
Implementation Method 2
The second communication unit comprises a second acceleration sensor by means of which an instantaneous acceleration of the connection region can be detected and is configured to provide a second acceleration signal that represents the detected acceleration of the connection region
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for localizing an attachment tool for a work device comprising a first communication unit connect to an attachment tool and having a first acceleration sensor that is configured to provide a first acceleration signal relating to an instantaneous acceleration of the attachment tool; a second communication unit connected to the work device in the region of a connection region for the attachment tool and having a second acceleration sensor that is configured to provide a second acceleration signal relating to an instantaneous acceleration of the connection region; and an identification module that is coupled to the first and/or second communication unit(s) and that is configured to obtain the first and second acceleration signals and to enable a safe allocation of the attachment tool to the work device by evaluating the signals. The invention further relates to a set of a work device and an attachment tool having a system in accordance with the invention and to a method of localizing an attachment tool for a work device with the aid of a system in accordance with the invention.