Excavator Bucket Position Detection Using Boom Rotation Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing position detection devices for excavators are not suitable for small-sized excavators, as they fail to accurately determine the position of the bucket due to the inability to measure the rotation of the boom with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, leading to inaccurate bucket position determination.
Innovation Solution
A position detection device using 3-D positioning devices such as antennas or sensors to measure the angular position of the boom with respect to rotation about the longitudinal axis, combined with a control unit for calibration, allowing for accurate determination of the bucket's position and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If prior art position detection devices are used for small-sized excavators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of bucket position becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The position detection system is divided into separate functional modules: GNSS positioning for absolute location, IMU for angular orientation, and a calculation unit that integrates both. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one aspect, improving overall precision without requiring a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensing systems (GNSS and IMU) into a unified position detection device. The calculation unit merges data from both systems to determine the complete bucket position, achieving high measurement precision by integrating the strengths of both technologies.
2Measurement precision
If IMU sensors are used to measure boom rotation, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The IMU sensor serves multiple functions: it measures the angular position of the boom relative to the cab, provides orientation data for the bucket, and contributes to the overall positioning calculation. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple measurement capabilities from a single component.
Solution Approach 2:
The calculation unit acts as an intermediary that processes raw data from the GNSS and IMU sensors, converting them into accurate bucket position information. This intermediary component manages the complexity of data integration and coordination between different sensing systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A position detection device for detecting the position of a bucket of an excavator having a cab and one or more booms is disclosed. A boom is rotatably attached to the cab by a mounting structure that is rotatably attached to the cab by a shaft having a longitudinal axis extending basically vertically during normal use of the excavator. The bucket is rotatably mounted to a stick that is rotatably attached to the boom. The mounting structure is arranged and configured to allow the boom to be rotated with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The position detection device comprises one or more antennas arranged and configured to receive satellite signals. The position detection device comprises a sensor assembly configured to detect the angular position of the boom with respect to rotation about the longitudinal axis of the shaft.