Excavator Blade Prism Support Column for Interference-Free Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing configurations for automatic control of the earth removal plate in hydraulic excavators lead to potential damage from the prism and pole interfering with the working device, increasing operator burden and man-hours due to the need for frequent removal and reattachment.

Innovation Solution

A construction machine design that includes a support column on the earth removal plate, switchable between upright and lying postures, and a protrusion member for stable support, along with a control unit to restrict the work device's operation when the support column is in the upright posture, preventing interference and reducing operator labor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the prism and pole are provided on the earth removal plate for automatic control measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the work device may interfere with and damage the prism and pole

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblade position measurementVSAvoiddamage to prism and pole from work device interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support column is designed to be rotatable relative to the blade, allowing it to switch between an upright posture (when measurement is needed) and a lying posture (when work device operation is needed). This dynamic reconfiguration eliminates the harmful interference while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the operator removes the prism and pole when the earth removal plate is not in use, then the damage risk to the prism and work device is reduced, but the operator burden and man-hours increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage avoidanceVSAvoidoperator burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support column with the prism is designed to be automatically positioned by the rotation mechanism, eliminating the need for manual removal and reattachment by the operator. The system serves itself by automatically configuring the support column to appropriate positions based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the support column is kept in upright posture for measurement, then the measurement function is maintained, but the work device operation is restricted and may cause interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance and angle measurementVSAvoidwork device operation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The support column is designed to be rotatable relative to the blade, allowing it to switch between an upright posture (when measurement is needed) and a lying posture (when work device operation is needed). This dynamic reconfiguration eliminates the harmful interference while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables precise measurement and operation of the earth removal plate while minimizing interference and operator workload by automatically adjusting the support column's posture and restricting the work device's operation to avoid damage, thus enhancing safety and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A bulldozer in Patent Literature 1 may automatically control a blade (earth removal plate) by an automatic tracking survey device (total station). With this configuration, a pole is provided to be upright on the blade, and a prism is provided as a tracking target on the pole. The survey device emits laser light and detects light reflected by the prism.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3943670B1Construction machine
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 YANMAR POWER TECH CO LTD
  • EP3943670B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3943670B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3943670B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A turning work vehicle comprises a lower travel body, an upper turning body, a work device, a rotation body (113), and a support column (55). The lower travel body is provided with a blade (47). The upper turning body is supported by the lower travel body so as to be able to turn. The work device is supported by the upper turning body so as to be able to rotate. The rotation body (113) is provided to the blade (47). The support column (55) is provided so as to project from the rotation body (113). A target prism, which is the measurement object of a total station, can be secured to the support column (55). The rotation body (113) rotates in relation to the blade (47), whereby the posture of the support column (55) is configured so as to be able to switch between an upright posture and a fallen posture.