Excavator Control Device for 3D Measurement and Target Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current work machine control systems lack the ability to accurately acquire parameters related to the work target, such as distance and angle of repose, which are crucial for efficient excavation and loading operations.

Innovation Solution

A work machine control device equipped with a three-dimensional measurement device and a target calculation unit that measures and calculates the distance from the work machine to the natural ground and the angle of repose of the work target, allowing for precise control of the working equipment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a three-dimensional measurement device is mounted on the work machine to measure the work target, then the measurement precision of distance and angle of repose is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance and angle of repose measurement precisionVSAvoidcontrol device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device integrates multiple functions including measurement data acquisition, ridgeline detection, distance calculation, and angle of repose calculation into a single system. The control device serves as both the processing unit and the control unit, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device utilizes its own computational resources to process measurement data and calculate work parameters autonomously. The control device performs self-service by integrating the calculation functions within itself, reducing the need for external processing units and simplifying the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the control device calculates multiple parameters (distance and angle of repose) from measurement data, then the productivity of excavation and loading operations is improved, but the loss of time for data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcavation and loading efficiencyVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary calculations of distance and angle of repose as soon as measurement data is acquired, preparing these parameters in advance for the working equipment control. This allows the equipment to be controlled immediately with pre-calculated parameters, minimizing delays in the excavation and loading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously processes measurement data and updates work parameters in real-time during excavation and loading operations. This continuous processing ensures that the working equipment receives up-to-date parameter information without interruption, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the work cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3744909B1Control device of working machine, control device of excavating machine, and control method of working machine
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 KOMATSU LTD
  • EP3744909B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3744909B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3744909B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

A work machine control device includes a measurement-data acquisition unit that acquires measurement data of a three-dimensional measurement device that is mounted on a work machine including work equipment and measures a three-dimensional shape including a ridgeline of a work target on which the working equipment performs work, and a target calculation unit that calculates and outputs, based on the measurement data regarding the ridgeline of the work target, a distance from the work machine to the work target or an angle of repose of the work target.