Bayonet Sensor Mounting for Fast Construction Machine Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor systems for construction machines are difficult to configure and do not allow for rapid addition or substitution of sensors due to harsh vibration and movement conditions.

Innovation Solution

A sensor system with a bayonet mount configuration that uses spring-loaded terminals for secure communication between the sensor and the base, allowing for easy interlocking and unlocking, thereby facilitating the addition, removal, or substitution of sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional sensors are separately mounted on construction machines with individual cables, then each sensor can be independently installed, but the configuration process becomes tedious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor configuration easeVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate sensors into a single integrated sensor array module that interfaces with the construction machine through a single connector. This merging eliminates the need to separately mount and cable each sensor individually, directly resolving the contradiction by reducing configuration steps and time while maintaining independent sensor functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor array module is designed as a universal interface that can accommodate multiple different sensor types within a single standardized mounting structure. This multi-functionality allows various sensors to be configured through a common mounting process, improving ease of operation and reducing configuration time compared to separate mounting procedures for each sensor type.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional sensors are separately mounted on construction machines, then each sensor can be individually positioned, but rapid addition or substitution of sensors becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor addition/substitution speedVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple sensors into a single interchangeable module, the system enables rapid addition or substitution of sensor arrays as one unit rather than individually mounting and wiring each sensor. This directly improves adaptability while the standardized interface design prevents excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is segmented into modular sensor arrays that can be independently added, removed, or substituted. Each module is a self-contained unit with integrated cabling, allowing rapid deployment without requiring complex reconfiguration of the mounting system, thus improving adaptability while maintaining manageable system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If sensors are mounted on construction machines subject to harsh vibrations and movements, then sensors can perform tasks, but the harsh conditions make sensor implementation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor operation reliabilityVSAvoidvibration and movement impact
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple sensors into a single rigid integrated module that is mounted as one unit on the construction machine. This consolidated structure provides better mechanical strength and vibration resistance compared to separately mounted sensors, improving reliability under harsh conditions while maintaining all sensor functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector interface incorporates a bayonet mount configuration with rotational interlocking that provides mechanical strength and vibration resistance. The rotational engagement creates a secure, rigid connection that withstands harsh construction site conditions, improving sensor reliability through enhanced mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Reliability

If a bayonet mount configuration with spring loaded terminals is used, then secure communication is achieved under vibration, but the mounting mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidmounting mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bayonet mount configuration uses a rotational interlocking mechanism with spring-loaded terminals that provide secure electrical contact while withstanding vibration. This standardized connector design achieves reliable communication through its mechanical engagement geometry, and the spring-loaded terminals ensure continuous electrical contact without requiring overly complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 effectively withstands harsh construction site conditions while enabling quick configuration and reconfiguration of sensors, reducing the complexity of sensor management on construction machines.

Implementation Method 1

The one or more terminals of the bottom interface of the sensor includes one or more spring loaded terminals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3903070B1Construction machine sensor system
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 TOPCON POSITIONING SYSTEMS INC
  • EP3903070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3903070B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3903070B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A system for mounting a sensor on a construction machine is described. The system includes a sensor having a bottom interface and a base for mounting the sensor on a construction machine. The base includes a top interface for rotatably interlocking with the bottom interface of the sensor. The rotatably interlocking of the base with the bottom interface of the sensor causes one or more terminals of the bottom interface of the sensor to communicatively couple to corresponding terminals of the top interface of the base.