Construction Machine Guidance Output Device for Fuel Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of construction machines may not have the opportunity to take appropriate energy-saving actions due to being busy or not noticing recommendations for improving fuel consumption, leading to potential inefficiencies in energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A guidance output device that detects energy-wasting operations and outputs targeted guidance at specific times, including priority recommendations based on frequency and comparison to average occurrences, to increase the likelihood of operators executing energy-saving measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If guidance for energy saving is displayed during operation, then the operator receives fuel consumption improvement recommendations, but the operator may be too busy or may not notice the display to execute the recommended actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel consumption guidance deliveryVSAvoidoperator task execution

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system stores guidance information in advance during operation, then outputs it at predetermined timing after the operation ends. This preliminary preparation of guidance content allows the operator to receive recommendations when not distracted by active tasks, resolving the conflict between information delivery and task execution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects energy-wasting operations and prepares corresponding guidance without requiring operator attention during the operation. The guidance is then presented at an optimal time when the operator can process it, making the system self-serve the information delivery function without interfering with productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of energy wasting operation are detected, then comprehensive guidance can be provided, but determining which guidance to prioritize becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguidance coverage for multiple operation typesVSAvoidpriority determination mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses occurrence frequency as a parameter to prioritize guidance. By counting how many times each energy-wasting operation occurs and comparing it to average frequencies, the system automatically ranks guidance priorities without complex decision logic. This simple parameter-based approach handles multiple operation types effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback from occurrence frequency data and average occurrence comparisons to dynamically prioritize guidance. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to actual operational patterns and present the most relevant guidance first, managing complexity through data-driven prioritization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9284720B2Guidance output device and guidance output method

Publication Date: 2016.03.15 KOMATSU LTD

AI summary

There are included an eco guidance determination unit that detects the occurrence of fuel-wasting operation during operation of a construction machine, and a guidance display control unit that stores guidance for energy saving corresponding to energy wasting operation; that, when fuel-wasting operation occurs, displays corresponding guidance for energy saving; and that also displays the corresponding guidance for energy saving at a predetermined timing after occurrence of the energy wasting operation.