Autonomous Excavation Vehicle Control for Continuous Precision Digging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excavation methods rely heavily on manual operators, leading to high costs, limited operational hours, and increased risk of human error due to labor shortages and the necessity for daytime operations.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation system equipped with sensors that navigate and control excavation vehicles, allowing for precise excavation routines and reduced labor requirements by using sensor data to guide the excavation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operators are used to operate excavation vehicles, then the vehicles can be controlled with simple systems, but the operational costs increase and labor shortages occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an autonomous control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to automatically control excavation vehicle operations. The system substitutes human operators with electronic and mechanical subsystems that can autonomously navigate, dig, and perform excavation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The excavation vehicle is equipped with self-contained autonomous operation capabilities including onboard sensors, processing units, and control systems that enable the vehicle to perform excavation tasks independently without external human intervention, making the system self-sufficient in operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If manual operators work during daytime only, then operational safety is maintained, but the duration of excavation projects extends
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system enables continuous excavation operations without interruption by eliminating the need for operator breaks, shifts, or daytime-only restrictions. The vehicle can operate continuously as long as power and operational conditions are maintained, maximizing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Replacing manual operators with autonomous systems removes human physiological limitations such as fatigue and daylight dependency, allowing the vehicle to operate reliably during nighttime and extended hours without compromising safety or performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual operators are required, then the system remains simple to operate, but labor costs increase and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs autonomous control systems with sensors, processors, and automated actuators to replace manual operation, achieving precise excavation work through electronic control and automated navigation while eliminating human error in positioning and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous system incorporates sensors and monitoring devices that continuously feedback information to the control unit, enabling real-time adjustments and precise control of excavation operations. This closed-loop control ensures accurate depth, position, and terrain following without human intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation vehicle that is capable of navigating through a dig site and carrying an excavation routine using a system of sensors physically mounted to the excavation vehicle. The sensors collect one or more of spatial, imaging, measurement, and location data representing the status of the excavation vehicle and its surrounding environment. Based on the collected data, the excavation vehicle executes instructions to perform an excavation routine by excavating earth from a hole using an excavation tool positioned at a single location within the site. The excavation vehicle is also able to carry out numerous other tasks, such as checking the volume of excavated earth in an excavation tool, navigating the excavation vehicle over a distance while continuously excavating earth from a below surface depth, and preparing a digital terrain model of the site as part of a process for creating the excavation routine.