Autonomous Bucket Dump Region Control for Even Material Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for moving material between locations or onto transport vehicles are manually intensive, time-consuming, and may result in uneven distribution of material, requiring costly autonomous systems that are susceptible to failure.
Innovation Solution
A control system for a digging and dumping machine that includes a machine body, linkage assembly, bucket, user interface, and controller, capable of receiving signals to define a dump region and initiate autonomous digging and dumping procedures, utilizing perception systems for positioning and controlling the machine's operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual positioning of the work implement is used, then the system is simpler and less costly, but the operation becomes manually intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining dump regions and dump orders before autonomous operation begins. The controller receives signals that specify the dump region (front-most and rear-most end points) and dump order, then automatically executes the positioning and dumping sequence without manual intervention during the actual material movement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The digging and dumping machine performs self-service through autonomous control. The controller automatically controls the work implement positioning, dumping sequence, and coordination with transport vehicles without requiring continuous manual operation. The system monitors and adjusts its own operations based on the predefined dump region and order parameters.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional loading methods are used, then the system is simpler, but material distribution becomes uneven and disparately distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The dump region is segmented into multiple discrete dump positions along the transport vehicle bed, defined by front-most and rear-most end points and intermediate positions. The controller executes a dump order that sequences material delivery to these segmented regions, ensuring even distribution across the entire loading area rather than concentrating material at a single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality control by positioning the work implement at specific locations within the dump region for each dump operation. The controller adjusts the work implement position and dumping parameters to ensure uniform material distribution at each segment of the loading area, with different positioning strategies applied to different regions of the transport vehicle bed.
3Extent of automation
If costly autonomous systems with sensors are used, then automation increases, but the systems become susceptible to failure from dust and work site conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a simplified control approach that copies the dump region boundaries and dump order from pre-defined parameters rather than relying on complex real-time sensor feedback. The controller receives signals defining the dump region (front-most and rear-most end points) and dump order, then executes the sequence based on these copied parameters, avoiding direct dependence on sensors that may fail in dusty work site conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a machine includes a machine body, a linkage assembly, a bucket coupled to the machine body via the linkage assembly, a user interface remote from the machine body, and a controller in communication with the user interface. The controller is configured to receive one or more signals defining a dump region. The dump region includes a front-most end point and a rear-most end point. The controller is also configured to receive one or more signals defining a dump order or dump specification and initiate an autonomous digging and dumping procedure.