Autonomous Pile Driver Navigation for Reduced Manual Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pile driving operations require manual labor, leading to high costs, limited operating hours, and increased risk of human error, due to the dependence on skilled operators and manual operation during the day.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous off-road vehicle (AOV) system that autonomously navigates, loads, and drives piles into the ground, utilizing a pile plan map for path planning, basket assembly, and quality control, with sensors for real-time monitoring and obstacle mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for pile driving, then skilled operators can perform the work, but the operation cost increases and operating hours are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous operation where the pile driver vehicle automatically navigates to pile locations, positions itself, and performs driving operations without continuous human intervention. The vehicle uses onboard sensors, GPS, and control systems to execute the pile driving task independently, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. The control system processes sensor data to determine vehicle position and orientation, then automatically controls the pile driving mechanism, substituting human-operated mechanical control with an automated electromechanical system.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is used for pile driving, then operators can control the vehicle, but the risk of human error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous system performs positioning, navigation, and pile driving operations automatically without human intervention, eliminating the source of human error. The vehicle self-determines its location using sensors and GPS, self-navigates to target positions, and self-executes the pile driving sequence based on pre-programmed logic and real-time sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors vehicle position, orientation, and operational status using onboard sensors and GPS. This real-time feedback is processed by the control system to automatically adjust vehicle positioning and driving parameters, ensuring precise and consistent operation without human error. The feedback loop maintains reliability through automated correction and verification.
3Ease of operation
If manual operation is required, then operators can make decisions, but the overall project duration extends
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous pile driver vehicle independently executes the complete pile driving workflow without human intervention. It automatically navigates to each pile location, positions itself precisely, operates the driving mechanism, and transitions to the next location without requiring operator decisions or actions, thereby eliminating time losses associated with manual operation cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous system enables continuous operation by eliminating idle time between tasks. The vehicle continuously navigates, positions, and performs pile driving operations in an uninterrupted sequence, whereas manual operation requires periodic stops for operator intervention, decision-making, and task transitions, thus extending project duration.
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous pile driving system identifies using a pile plan map a target location to install a pile. The system autonomously navigates towards the target location. The system autonomously detects using an object sensor system an orientation and location of the pile located within a threshold distance of the system. The system autonomously positions a tool of the autonomous pile driving system based on the detected orientation and location of the pile. The system autonomously picks up the pile using the positioned tool of the autonomous pile driving system. The system autonomously positions the pile based on the target location. The system autonomously drives the pile into ground at the target location.