Earthmoving Flow Graphs for Cut-and-Fill Planning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current earthwork design methods in construction projects are inefficient, leading to excessive use of heavy equipment and high costs due to inadequate optimization of earth movement strategies.
Innovation Solution
A control system that generates elevation-dependent flow graphs using dual-layer input graphs, incorporating cost functions to prioritize cut and fill operations based on elevation differences, allowing for optimized earth movement planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional earthwork design methods are used, then construction projects can be completed, but excessive heavy equipment is required and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the earthwork design problem by changing parameters through elevation-dependent flow graphs. It calculates optimal earth movement paths by considering elevation differences, slopes, and terrain characteristics, converting traditional trial-and-error design into a parameter-optimized solution that minimizes equipment usage and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical trial-and-error design methods with a computational system that uses flow graph algorithms. The control system automatically generates optimized earthwork designs by processing terrain data through mathematical models, substituting manual mechanical planning with intelligent computational optimization
2Productivity
If more heavy equipment is deployed, then earthmoving tasks can be completed faster, but construction costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optimization of earthwork designs before construction begins. By pre-calculating optimal cut and fill areas, haul routes, and earth movement volumes using flow graph algorithms, the system enables efficient execution with minimal equipment, avoiding the need for excessive machinery during actual construction
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes productivity by changing key parameters including earth movement volumes, haul distances, and equipment requirements. The elevation-dependent flow graphs calculate precise parameters for each earthwork operation, enabling efficient completion with optimized rather than excessive equipment deployment
3Loss of substance
If conventional earthwork design is used, then projects can proceed, but unnecessary earth excavation and filling occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors terrain data, compares actual conditions against optimized designs, and adjusts earthwork operations accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that earth movement operations follow optimal paths, minimizing unnecessary excavation and filling while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system reduces earth material waste by precisely calculating and controlling parameters such as cut volumes, fill volumes, and haul distances. The elevation-dependent flow graphs optimize these parameters to achieve balance between cut and fill areas, minimizing the need to import or export earth materials
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for generating earthmoving flow vectors for assisting control of a construction machine are disclosed. A design elevation map of an earthmoving site may be obtained. The design elevation map may include a plurality of design elevation points of the earthmoving site. An actual elevation map of the earthmoving site may be obtained. The actual elevation map may include a plurality of actual elevation points of the earthmoving site. A dual-layer input graph may be formed based on the design elevation map and the actual elevation map. The dual-layer input graph may include a plurality of nodes related through a plurality of connections. A flow graph may be generated by solving the dual-layer input graph. The flow graph may include a set of flow vectors indicating movement of the earth within the earthmoving site.