BEIM Earthmoving Control for Remote and Adaptive Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current earthmoving machine control systems lack efficient automation and operator interface flexibility, particularly in managing complex operations and ensuring safe operation modes, especially when the operator is outside the cabin or using multiple controllers.

Innovation Solution

A BEIM-based control system that integrates GIS, BIM, I-BIM, and CIM models, allowing for semiautomatic control, load monitoring, and adaptive operation modes based on controller location and user skill levels, with feedback through various sensory and display means, enabling operators to control earthmoving machines effectively both attached and detached from the cabin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple controllers are provided for operating the earthmoving machine, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in attached mode for precise control within the cabin, detached mode for remote operation, and includes both manual controls and automatic control capabilities. This multi-functionality allows a single controller design to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate control systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The controller's operational characteristics dynamically change based on its state (attached/detached) and the selected control mode (manual/automatic). The system adapts its behavior and available functions based on real-time conditions, allowing the same physical device to provide different levels and types of control appropriate to the current operational context.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If automatic control is implemented, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control system allows dynamic switching between manual and automatic control modes. The operator can select automatic control for routine tasks to improve productivity, while retaining the ability to switch to manual control when complex judgment or adaptation is needed. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction by allowing both modes to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automatic control system performs monitoring and control functions autonomously based on pre-programmed parameters and sensor feedback. The system self-regulates machine operations without constant operator intervention, improving productivity while the operator maintains overall supervision and can intervene when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the controller can be detached for external operation, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller's operational characteristics dynamically change based on its state (attached/detached). When detached, the system adapts by adjusting control parameters, limiting certain functions, or modifying response thresholds to account for the increased distance and potential signal issues. This dynamic adaptation maintains reliability while enabling the detached operational mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates redundancy and error tolerance measures that are activated or enhanced when the controller is in detached mode. Buffer zones, confirmation protocols, and fallback mechanisms are prepared in advance to compensate for the reduced direct control and potential communication delays, thereby maintaining reliability despite the increased adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If position monitoring and adaptive control modes are implemented, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the controller's position relative to the machine and uses this feedback to automatically adjust operational parameters and control modes. This closed-loop feedback system enables adaptive control that enhances safety by preventing unauthorized or unsafe operations while the controller is in detached mode, without requiring complex additional hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The existing control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only controls machine operations but also monitors controller position, determines operational modes, and implements safety protocols. This multi-functionality allows the system to provide enhanced safety features without adding separate dedicated systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3489423B1Controlling earthmoving machine
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 NOVATRON
  • EP3489423B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3489423B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~6
  • EP3489423B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

A BEIM (Built Environment Information Model) - based control system (CS) for controlling an earthmoving machine (E). The control system comprises at least one controller (CO) for controlling at least one movement of an earthmoving tool (3) attached to the earthmoving machine, at least one control unit (CU), and sensing means (11, 12) for providing the control unit with position data of the earthmoving tool and a carrier (1) of the earthmoving machine with respect to the BEIM. The control system further comprises at least one displaying means for displaying at least one BEIM selectable by the at least one controller. Additionally an earthmoving machine and a method for controlling an earthmoving machine.