Earthmoving Machine Sensor for Precise Excavation Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional earthmoving operations lack accurate assessment of attachment characteristics, leading to inaccurate operation of earthmoving machines due to the inability to determine digging depth and range effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system utilizing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader and an optical receiver to identify and provide the position of attachments to earthmoving machines, outputting signals to a controller for displaying excavation characteristics such as digging depth and orientation, enabling precise control and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional earthmoving operations are performed without attachment characteristic identification, then the operation can proceed without additional equipment, but the digging depth and range assessment becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement task into separate functional components: RFID tags on attachments for identification, RFID readers on the machine for data collection, optical receivers for benchmark detection, and a controller for processing. This segmentation allows accurate measurement without requiring a completely complex integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
RFID tags serve as intermediaries between the attachment and the control system, providing attachment characteristics without requiring direct physical measurement. The optical receiver acts as an intermediary to detect benchmark signals and translate them into usable depth information.
2Loss of information
If attachment characteristics are not identified, then the system remains simple, but the operator cannot assess digging depth or range effectively
Solution Approach 1:
Attachments are equipped with RFID tags that automatically provide their own identification and characteristic information when queried by the RFID reader. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual input or complex configuration systems to obtain attachment characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag system serves multiple functions: identifying the attachment type, providing characteristic data, and enabling the control system to adjust operations accordingly. This multi-functionality reduces information loss without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Reliability
If real-time excavation characteristics are provided, then operational accuracy improves, but the system requires additional sensors and processing equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple measurement functions into a single integrated controller that processes RFID data, optical benchmark signals, and calculates excavation characteristics. This consolidation provides reliable real-time information without requiring separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical receiver continuously monitors benchmark signals and provides real-time feedback to the controller, which then adjusts the displayed excavation characteristics. This feedback loop ensures operational accuracy by constantly updating the system with current position information.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances operational accuracy by providing real-time excavation characteristics, allowing operators to control attachments with precision, improving the overall efficiency and accuracy of earthmoving operations.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader can be configured to identify an attachment to the excavation machine
Implementation Method 2
an optical receiver can be configured to receive an optical benchmark signal
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for providing an excavation characteristic associated with an earthmoving machine. In one embodiment, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag associated with an attachment mounted to an earthmoving machine may be identified. An optical benchmark signal may be detected, by an optical receiver. The position of the attachment relative to the earthmoving machine may be determined based, at least in part, on identification of the RFID tag. The position of the attachment may be provided to an operator of the earthmoving machine.