Excavation Work Cycle Segmentation via Speed Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for automatically segmenting excavation work cycles in machines like hydraulic excavators are complex and lack applicability, often failing to accurately detect and classify segments, especially when the machine does not come to a complete stop during dumping operations.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes sensors to monitor the speed of a work tool and a controller to record and compare the speed, partitioning the work cycle into segments based on threshold speeds and forces, allowing for adaptive segmentation regardless of the machine's operational state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If velocity and payload information are used to segment work cycle as disclosed in the '993 patent, then work cycle segmentation is achieved, but the system becomes complicated and lacks applicability when the machine does not come to a complete stop during dumping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential segmentation function from the complex velocity and payload monitoring system, isolating only the speed monitoring aspect that is sufficient for accurate segmentation. By removing the requirement for complete stop detection and complex payload analysis, the system achieves segmentation accuracy while significantly reducing complexity and improving applicability to continuous operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of detecting segmentation points by identifying when the machine stops (as in the prior art), the patent inverts the approach by detecting segmentation points through speed transitions and operational state changes. This inversion allows the system to accurately segment work cycles even when the machine operates continuously without complete stops during dumping operations.
2Measurement precision
If the system requires knowledge of what has and hasn't yet been excavated to segment the work cycle, then segmentation can be achieved, but it becomes difficult to attain and track this information
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the machine's own speed sensor data to automatically detect and segment work cycle phases without requiring external information about excavation status. The speed transitions and operational patterns inherent in the machine's operation serve as self-contained indicators of work cycle segmentation, eliminating the need for separate tracking systems or external data sources.
3Ease of operation
If manual segmentation by operator is used, then control and data logging can be adjusted, but it becomes too interruptive for the operator as machines become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic work cycle segmentation using the machine's speed data, eliminating the need for operator intervention. The automated system continuously monitors speed transitions and independently segments work cycles, freeing the operator from repetitive manual tasks and reducing interruptions while maintaining accurate control and data logging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors speed data and provides real-time feedback about work cycle phase transitions. This automatic feedback mechanism enables the control system and data logging to adjust seamlessly without operator input, improving ease of operation while preventing time loss to manual interventions.
4Productivity
If the machine is controlled differently according to each segment of the cycle, then productivity can be optimized, but accurate detection and classification of segments is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary speed monitoring and transition detection to accurately identify work cycle segment boundaries before control adjustments are made. By pre-detecting segmentation points through speed transitions, the system ensures accurate segment classification is established beforehand, enabling optimized productivity control for each phase without sacrificing classification precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an excavation machine is disclosed. The control system may have a work tool movable to perform an excavation work cycle, at least one sensor configured to monitor a speed of the work tool and generate a signal indicative of the monitored speed, and a controller in communication with the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to record the monitored speed of the work tool during each excavation work cycle, and compare the signal currently being generated to a maximum speed recorded for a previous excavation work cycle. The controller may be further configured to partition a current excavation work cycle into a plurality of segments based on the comparison.