Construction Machine IMU Identification Through Sequential Member Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for identifying posture information detection sensors on multiple front members of construction machines, such as hydraulic excavators, are labor-intensive and prone to errors, especially when simultaneous operations complicate the identification process.

Innovation Solution

An automatic sensor identification system that sequentially drives and stops front members individually, using a control unit to identify posture information detection sensors based on detection value changes, reducing operator intervention and minimizing errors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If posture information detection sensors are used with common specifications mountable on various front members, then standardization is achieved, but it takes time and labor to sequentially mount and identify the sensors on each front member

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor standardizationVSAvoididentification time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor identification system performs automatic identification by itself without requiring operator intervention for sequential mounting and identification. The control unit automatically detects which sensor is mounted on which front member by analyzing detection signals, thereby resolving the contradiction between standardization and identification time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If posture information detection sensors with dedicated identification information are used for each front member, then identification is simplified, but the sensors cannot be standardized and it takes labor and cost to manage parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification easeVSAvoidsensor standardization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it not only controls the working machine but also automatically identifies which sensor is mounted on which front member by analyzing detection signals. This universal approach allows standard sensors to be used across different front members while maintaining easy identification capability.

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

3Productivity

If identification task is performed while common tasks such as digging are operating, then time is saved, but it may take time to complete identification because multiple front members are often driven at the same time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification efficiencyVSAvoididentification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the identification process by analyzing detection signals from individual front members separately, even when multiple front members are driven simultaneously. The control unit can distinguish and identify sensors on each front member independently by processing their respective detection signals, thereby maintaining identification accuracy while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3983615B1Automatic sensor identification system and identification method in construction machine
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 CATERPILLAR SARL
  • EP3983615B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3983615B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3983615B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the burden of an operator when performing a task for identifying which posture information detection sensor is mounted on which front member in a construction machine where the posture information detection sensors (IMU) are mounted on multiple front members constituting a working machine. SOLUTION: An automatic identification system is provided which has an identification task start button (13b) for being operated to start an identification task, a front member control means (25a) for outputting a control instruction for driving and stopping multiple front members (stick 6, boom 5) sequentially, individually, and automatically, and a sensor identification means (25b) for identifying IMU (22) mounted on each front member based on changes of a detection value of IMU (22) as said each front member is driven by the front member control means (25a).