Excavator Bucket Shape Detection for Automatic Setting Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manually changing settings when replacing buckets on a shovel takes time and effort, necessitating a more efficient method for setting adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A shovel and shovel management system that includes a work support system with a work assist device and management apparatus, utilizing sensors and processing circuitry to automatically set bucket shape parameters based on the newly attached bucket.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual setting changes are used when replacing buckets, then the operator can adjust settings according to the new bucket, but it takes time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting changeVSAvoidtime for setting adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service by having the shovel automatically detect the attached bucket and configure settings without operator intervention. The processing circuitry captures images of the bucket, identifies bucket type and dimensions, and automatically adjusts parameters such as digging depth and material capacity, eliminating the need for manual setting changes while replacing buckets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical manual setting adjustment process with an automated image processing and recognition system. Instead of the operator physically adjusting settings based on bucket replacement, the system uses cameras and processing circuitry to automatically identify bucket characteristics and configure settings electronically, thereby reducing time and effort required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual setting changes are used when replacing buckets, then settings can be adjusted for the new bucket, but operator effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebucket replacement efficiencyVSAvoidoperator effort

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shovel performs self-service by automatically detecting the attached bucket through image capture and processing, then autonomously configuring operational parameters. This eliminates the need for operator intervention in the settings adjustment process, thereby increasing productivity while reducing operator effort

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the manual mechanical setting adjustment with an automated electronic system using cameras and processing circuitry. The system captures images of the bucket, processes them to identify bucket type and dimensions, and automatically adjusts settings, thereby improving efficiency and reducing the effort required from the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12486648B2Shovel and shovel management apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

A shovel includes a lower traveling structure, an upper swing structure swingably mounted on the lower traveling structure, an attachment attached to the upper swing structure and including a bucket, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to set a shape parameter of the bucket according to a bucket shape obtained in advance. The bucket shape represents the shape of the bucket.