Attachment Tool Confirmation via Motion Pattern Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for confirming the proper attachment of tools to working machines, such as construction equipment, lack efficiency and accuracy, particularly in environments with multiple machines and tools, leading to potential misidentification and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using sensor data from both the working machine and the attachment tool to compare movement patterns, allowing for real-time confirmation of attachment and automatic configuration of operational settings based on the tool's identity, without the need for internal positioning systems like GPS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If GPS or internal positioning systems are installed on attachment tools for identification, then attachment confirmation accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment confirmation accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic/GPS-based positioning systems with a mechanical motion correlation system. By using motion sensors to detect and compare the mechanical movement patterns of the working machine and attachment tool, the system achieves attachment confirmation without requiring complex internal positioning systems on the attachment tool itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces motion patterns as an intermediary to establish the relationship between the working machine and attachment tool. Instead of direct communication or positioning between the machine and tool, the system uses motion data from both as a mediator to infer attachment status through pattern matching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensor devices are deployed to track movement patterns, then attachment identification accuracy is improved, but loss of time for data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment identification accuracyVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selecting and comparing only critical motion parameters rather than processing all possible sensor data. The system identifies key movement patterns that are sufficient for attachment confirmation, avoiding unnecessary processing of excessive data and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If complex movement sequences are used for attachment verification, then reliability of attachment confirmation is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment confirmation reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-verification by automatically comparing motion patterns and determining attachment status without requiring manual intervention. The working machine and attachment tool essentially verify themselves through their own motion data, eliminating the need for complex manual verification procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This method ensures accurate and efficient confirmation of tool attachment, reduces the risk of misidentification, and enables automatic configuration of the machine's settings, enhancing safety and operational efficiency by using simple movement pattern recognition.

Implementation Method 1

a second sensor device installed on the attachment tool and configured to measure a movement of the attachment tool

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4353911A1A computer-implemented method of determining that an attachment tool is attached to the arm or boom of a working machine
Publication Date: 2024.04.17 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP4353911A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4353911A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4353911A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for a working machine. A processor device of a computer system is configured to receive movement data from sensors that measure movements of the working machine and movements of an attachment tools. Based on the received movement data, the processor device determines movement patterns for the working machine and the attachment tool. The movement patterns are compared and, upon determination by the processor device that the movement pattern of the attachment tool matches the movement pattern of the working machine, the processor device determines that the attachment tool is attached to an arm or a boom of the working machine.