Earth-Moving Machine Terrain Sensing for Accurate Work Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earth-moving machines lack an assistance system for optical measurement of subsoil and determination of working performance, making it difficult to accurately record and bill the work carried out during operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using topography sensors, such as 3D cameras and lidar systems, to detect the original, actual, and target terrains, enabling comparison and calculation of working performance, including volume of excavation or backfill, and indirectly determining costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual recording methods are used for earth-moving operations, then billing processes are simple, but measurement precision and accuracy of working performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording methods with optical measurement systems (cameras, 3D scanners, lidar) to automatically capture terrain data. This substitution enables precise three-dimensional measurement of earth movements without requiring complex manual measurement devices, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (point clouds, 3D models) of the terrain before and after earth-moving operations. By comparing these digital representations, the system accurately calculates working performance metrics such as excavation volume and material displacement, achieving high measurement precision through information copying rather than physical measurement.
2Measurement precision
If detailed terrain measurement is performed during operation, then working performance accuracy improves, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous terrain measurement during earth-moving operations using mounted sensors that automatically capture data as the machine moves. This continuous measurement approach eliminates the need for separate pre- and post-operation surveying tasks, maintaining high measurement precision while reducing total time loss by integrating measurement into the operational workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is mounted on and operated by the earth-moving machine itself, enabling self-measurement during normal operations. The machine performs both its earth-moving function and its own performance measurement simultaneously, eliminating the need for external measurement teams and reducing time consumption while maintaining accuracy.
3Productivity
If optical measurement systems are installed on earth-moving machines, then working performance can be determined in real-time, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single measurement system: terrain mapping, excavation volume calculation, material displacement tracking, and performance billing data generation. By making the optical measurement system universal and multi-functional, the patent achieves high productivity in working performance determination while minimizing device complexity through functional consolidation rather than adding separate specialized devices.
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
Enables efficient and accurate recording of work performed by earth-moving machines, simplifying billing and cost estimation by continuously measuring terrain changes and movements during operations.
Implementation Method 1
topography sensors, such as cameras, preferably 3D cameras, such as TOF cameras or PMD cameras, radar or lidar systems
Implementation Method 2
topography sensors, such as cameras, preferably 3D cameras, such as TOF cameras or PMD cameras, radar or lidar systems
Implementation Method 3
TOF cameras
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a device measure the performance of an earth-moving machine in soil as well as to an earth-moving machine containing a device of this type. The working performance resulting from earth movements of such a machine, in particular while the earth-moving machine is still in operation, can be determined. In this way, it is possible to record and bill the work carried out with the earth-moving machine.