Excavation Control System for Obstacle-Aware Machine Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Excavation machines face difficulties in efficiently removing material near underground obstacles due to linkage constraints and the need for frequent repositioning, especially when obstacles are unseen or when operators lack experience, leading to inefficient and potentially damaging excavation processes.
Innovation Solution
A control system that determines the position of the machine and obstacles, recommends optimal machine placement, and sequences excavation passes to maximize material removal while avoiding obstacles, using a combination of GPS, terrain mapping, and obstacle detection technologies to guide the operator or automate the excavation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the operator manually positions the machine without assistance, then the machine can be positioned anywhere, but material removal efficiency decreases and frequent repositioning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment and mechanical positioning with an automated computer vision system and control algorithm. The system captures images, processes them to identify obstacles and excavation zones, calculates optimal machine positions, and provides guidance to the operator, substituting human decision-making with automated intelligent control to maximize material removal efficiency and minimize repositioning time
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the excavation machine to guide itself through automated positioning recommendations. The control system continuously monitors the excavation site, calculates the next optimal position based on remaining material and obstacle locations, and directs the operator, allowing the machine to autonomously optimize its own workflow without constant human intervention
2Productivity
If the operator excavates near unseen obstacles without guidance, then excavation can proceed quickly, but damage to obstacles or machine may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and judgment with an automated computer vision system that captures images, identifies obstacles regardless of visibility, and provides real-time positioning guidance. This substitution ensures accurate obstacle detection and safe excavation positioning without relying on operator experience or line of sight
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by capturing real-time images of the excavation site, processing them to identify obstacles and material, calculating safe excavation zones, and providing ongoing positioning recommendations to the operator. This closed-loop feedback ensures excavation speed is maintained while continuously adapting to ensure obstacle and machine safety
3Reliability
If visual display of obstacles is provided to the operator, then collision prevention improves, but machine positioning efficiency for material removal does not improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating optimal machine positions and excavation sequences before the operator begins work. The system analyzes the entire excavation site, identifies all obstacles and material zones, determines the most efficient excavation sequence, and provides step-by-step positioning guidance, allowing the operator to execute pre-planned efficient positioning rather than reacting during excavation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple visual obstacle display with an intelligent control system that not only shows obstacles but actively calculates and recommends optimal machine positions for maximum material removal efficiency. The control algorithm considers obstacle locations, material distribution, and machine capabilities to generate positioning recommendations that simultaneously ensure safety and optimize productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a machine operating at a excavation site is disclosed. The control system may have a positioning device configured to determine a position of the machine, and a controller in communication with the positioning device. The controller may be configured to receive information regarding a predetermined task for the machine, receive the machine's position, and receive a location of an obstacle at the excavation site. The control system may also be configured to recommend placement of the machine to accomplish the predetermined task based on the received machine position and obstacle location.