Sensor-Guided Excavation Vehicle Paths for Autonomous Digging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excavation methods rely heavily on manual operators, leading to high costs, limited operational hours, and increased risk of human error due to labor shortages and the necessity for daytime operations.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation system equipped with sensors that navigate and control excavation vehicles, generating digital terrain models and target tool paths to automate the excavation process, reducing manual labor and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual operators are used to operate excavation vehicles, then human control and adaptability are maintained, but labor costs increase, operational hours are limited, and human error risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to control excavation vehicle operations. The system substitutes human operators with electronic and mechanical control mechanisms that can operate continuously without fatigue or error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control system as an intermediary between the operator and the excavation vehicle. This intermediary layer processes sensor data, generates control signals, and coordinates vehicle operations, thereby reducing direct human involvement while maintaining systematic control over the excavation process.
2Duration of action of moving object
If manual operators work during daytime only, then safety and visibility are improved, but project duration increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that continuously monitor excavation parameters, vehicle position, and terrain conditions. This real-time feedback enables the control system to maintain precision regardless of operating hours, allowing reliable operation during nighttime and extended periods without compromising work quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-programming excavation paths, depths, and parameters before operation begins. The control system executes these pre-planned sequences automatically, ensuring consistent precision throughout extended operational periods without requiring continuous human intervention or adjustment.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the excavation vehicle, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional sensor system where a single integrated platform performs multiple functions: recording site conditions, tracking vehicle position, monitoring terrain changes, and providing data for control decisions. This consolidates what could be separate systems into one unified sensor array, reducing overall complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple sensing functions into an integrated control system. Sensors for position, terrain, and vehicle status are combined and processed by a central processor that coordinates all data streams, thereby managing complexity through unified architecture rather than separate independent systems.
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.