Integrated Excavator Sensing Device for Calibration Simplification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Construction machines like excavators require multiple sensing components to be individually installed and calibrated, making the process complex and time-consuming for operators to determine the correct dig elevation and position of working tools.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensing device combining multiple sensors, such as a gravity sensor, laser distance meter, and optional GPS receiver, is mounted as a single unit on the excavator, allowing for quick calibration and providing essential information for accurate digging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensing components are individually installed on the excavator, then each component can be calibrated separately, but the installation and calibration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing components (gravity sensor, laser distance meter, and optional GPS receiver) into a single integrated sensing device that is mounted as one unit on the excavator. This merging reduces the number of separate components to be installed and calibrated, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple sensing components are individually installed, then each component provides specific sensing data, but the calibration process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple sensors into one device, the calibration process is streamlined from multiple separate calibration procedures into a single unified calibration operation, significantly reducing calibration time while maintaining data accuracy through the coordinated work of all sensor components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensing device is pre-configured with all necessary sensing components and their interconnections before installation on the excavator. This preliminary integration means that during actual installation and calibration, the system requires minimal setup time compared to installing and calibrating multiple separate components on-site.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sensing components are used, then comprehensive sensing data can be collected, but the device requires complex installation and mounting procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges gravity sensors, laser distance meters, and optional GPS receivers into a single integrated unit that maintains all the sensing capabilities of individual components while simplifying installation to a single mounting operation rather than multiple separate installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensing device serves multiple functions simultaneously - measuring gravity/angles, calculating distances, receiving laser data, and optionally providing GPS location - all within a single device that can be mounted in one location on the excavator, making it universally applicable and easy to install.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated sensing device simplifies the calibration process and provides accurate real-time feedback to operators, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of digging operations by consolidating multiple sensors into a single, easily mountable unit.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing device typically includes a gravity sensor to determine angles
Implementation Method 2
an electronic distance measuring device such as a laser distance meter (LDM)
Implementation Method 3
a laser receiver for detecting a predetermined jobsite elevation. The laser distance meter (LDM) is aimed at one of the other members of the machine, in which the target member moves in a predetermined path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An integrated sensing device (10) with a suite of sensors assists construction machine operators in finding the correct level to dig a ditch/trench. The sensing device (10) includes a gravity sensor (40) to determine angles, a laser distance meter (LDM) (50), and a laser receiver (20) for detecting a known jobsite elevation. The sensing device is mounted to the dipper stick (208) of an excavator (200); the gravity sensor (40) detects the angle of the stick (208), and the laser receiver (20) detects a laser plane (90) of light that represents a known jobsite elevation. The LDM is aimed at another member of the machine that moves in a predetermined path as the bucket (210) is rotated, and the distance between the LDM and the target member is used to calculate the vertical elevation of the working tool edge (212). A display graphically shows the operator the proper dig depth and the present position of the working tool edge (212).