Automated Earthmoving Control Using Selectable Digging Styles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated work vehicles are unable to automatically perform all variations of repetitive earthmoving tasks based on site requirements, leading to operator fatigue and high operating costs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically performing earthmoving operations using a work vehicle with an articulable implement, controlled by a controller that receives operator inputs to perform earthmoving operations according to preset styles, including implement-fill and earth-breaking styles, utilizing a vision-based sensor to monitor filling and emptying processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated work vehicles use applied forces and efficiency calculations, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to different worksite requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between multiple earthmoving styles (spoil-centric, layer-centric, implement-fill) based on real-time worksite conditions and requirements. The controller adjusts operational parameters and style selection during operation to adapt to changing worksite conditions, transforming a static automated system into a dynamic one that can respond to various scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by selecting different earthmoving styles with distinct characteristics. Each style represents a different set of operational parameters (filling criteria, emptying timing, stroke length utilization) that are selected based on worksite requirements, enabling the automated vehicle to adapt its behavior without manual reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used to handle all task variations, then adaptability is improved, but operator fatigue and operating costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs earthmoving operations autonomously by selecting and executing appropriate earthmoving styles based on worksite conditions. The controller monitors operational status and automatically adjusts parameters and style selection, enabling the system to serve itself without continuous manual intervention while maintaining adaptability to different tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The earthmoving operation is segmented into distinct styles (spoil-centric, layer-centric, implement-fill), each optimized for specific task variations. This segmentation allows the system to handle different task types through predefined automated routines, reducing the cognitive load and fatigue associated with manual decision-making while maintaining versatility.
3Productivity
If current automated systems are used, then productivity is improved, but the ability to perform all task variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating multiple earthmoving styles within a single automated control framework. The controller can execute spoil-centric operations, layer-centric operations, and implement-fill operations, enabling one automated system to perform diverse earthmoving tasks that previously required different specialized approaches or manual operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automatically performing an earthmoving operation may include a work vehicle having an implement that is articulable by the work vehicle over a stroke length, a user interface, and a controller communicatively coupled to the user interface. The controller may be configured to receive an operator input via the user interface associated with performing an earthmoving operation with the implement of the work vehicle according to one of a plurality of earthmoving styles. Additionally, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the work vehicle to perform the earthmoving operation with the implement within the worksite based at least in part on the one of the plurality of earthmoving styles.