Excavation Tool Volume Checking for Autonomous Earthmoving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excavation methods rely heavily on manual operators, leading to high costs, limited operational hours due to day-time dependency, and increased risk of human error, as well as inefficiencies in labor supply and quality control.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation system equipped with sensors that navigate and control excavation vehicles to execute excavation routines, generating digital terrain models and target tool paths for precise earth removal, reducing manual labor needs and enhancing precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operators are used to operate excavation vehicles, then human control and flexibility are maintained, but operational costs increase, labor shortages occur, and human error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The excavation vehicle is equipped with sensors, processors, and control systems that enable it to autonomously perform excavation tasks without continuous human intervention. The system self-monitors its operations, self-navigates to target locations, and self-adjusts excavation parameters based on real-time sensor data, thereby reducing dependency on manual operators while maintaining or improving excavation quality through consistent automated execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical control system operated by human operators with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect environmental and operational parameters, processors analyze this data and generate control signals, and actuators execute commands without human physical intervention. This substitution eliminates human error risks and labor constraints while maintaining precise control over excavation operations
2Duration of action of moving object
If manual operators work during daytime only, then safety and visibility are improved, but operational duration is limited and project timelines extend
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous excavation system operates independently of human operators, enabling continuous 24/7 work cycles without breaks, shifts, or safety-related停工. The vehicle autonomously navigates, executes excavation tasks, and monitors its own operational status, eliminating constraints related to operator availability and fatigue while maintaining safe operations through automated control and sensor-based environmental awareness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables uninterrupted excavation operations by replacing human operators with an autonomous system that can work continuously without fatigue, shifts, or safety-mandated breaks. The automated system maintains constant operational readiness, processes sensor data in real-time, and executes excavation tasks without interruption, thereby extending operational duration from limited daytime hours to round-the-clock productivity
3Productivity
If sensors and automated control systems are integrated into excavation vehicles, then operational efficiency and precision are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensor types (cameras, LIDAR, GPS, inertial sensors) and control functions into a unified autonomous operation system. These diverse components work together through a central processor that coordinates navigation, excavation control, and environmental monitoring, allowing a single integrated system to perform multiple functions simultaneously rather than requiring separate independent systems for each task
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines sensors, processors, control systems, and communication modules into an integrated autonomous control platform. Rather than operating as separate independent systems, these components are merged into a cohesive architecture where data from multiple sensors is processed together and control commands are coordinated through a unified system, reducing overall complexity while maintaining enhanced productivity
Data Source
AI summary
This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation vehicle that is capable of navigating through a dig site and carrying out an excavation routine using a system of sensors physically mounted to the excavation vehicle. The sensors collects any one or more of spatial, imaging, measurement, and location data representing the status of the excavation vehicle and its surrounding environment. Based on the collected data, the excavation vehicle executes instructions to carry out an excavation routine. The excavation vehicle is also able to carry out numerous other tasks, such as checking the volume of excavated earth in an excavation tool, and helping prepare a digital terrain model of the site as part of a process for creating the excavation routine.