Dynamic Material Movement Plan Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing material movement plans for machines like dozers and excavators lack flexibility and adaptability, as they are often pre-defined and do not allow for real-time modifications based on changing work site conditions or operator inputs, limiting their operational efficiency and precision.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an image display device, operator input device, and position sensor, where the controller generates and modifies material movement plans in real-time based on operator inputs and work site conditions, allowing for dynamic adjustments to the operational location and movement of machines at the work site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If material movement plans are pre-defined and fixed, then planning simplicity is maintained, but operational flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changing work site conditionsVSAvoidplan modification system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The material movement plan is transformed from a static, pre-defined sequence to a dynamic plan that can be modified in real-time. The system allows operational locations to be adjusted during execution based on operator input and changing work site conditions, making the plan adaptable while maintaining a structured framework through the controller's coordination of modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If automated autonomous operation is implemented, then operational consistency is improved, but operator control and adaptability to unscheduled conditions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator control capabilityVSAvoidautonomous operation level
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller continuously monitors the work site conditions and receives operator input, then uses this feedback to modify the material movement plan in real-time. This allows the autonomous system to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining operator control through the ability to initiate and respond to modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If real-time plan modifications are enabled, then operational precision and efficiency are improved, but system complexity and computational requirements deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial movement efficiencyVSAvoidreal-time plan modification system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The material movement plan is segmented into discrete operational locations and tasks that can be independently modified. This segmentation allows the system to make targeted adjustments to specific portions of the plan without requiring complete re-planning, thereby improving efficiency while managing system complexity through modular modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10640952B2System and method for modifying a material movement plan
Publication Date: 2020.05.05 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US10640952B2 patent drawing
  • US10640952B2 patent drawing
  • US10640952B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for moving material with a work implement includes an image display device, an operator input device, and a position sensor. A controller is configured to determine a position of a work surface at a work site, display a portion of the work site on the image display device including an operational location at the work area, modify a position of the operational location on the image display device with the operator input device to define a modified operational location, generate a material movement plan based upon the position of the work surface and modified operational location, and generate command instructions to move the machine according to the material movement plan.