Excavator Leveling Guidance via Segmented Laser Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil leveling guidance systems for excavation gear, particularly those using a rotary laser and a fixed tube with a laser sensor, are prone to axis deformation due to usage-related factors, leading to inaccurate leveling and are limited by the absence of a hydraulic arm in bulldozers, which obstructs the laser sensor's field of view.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system incorporating angular position detection devices on the support arm, bucket arm, and cab, combined with a wireless communication module and a linear laser sensor, allowing for precise leveling by calculating the blade's position relative to a defined leveling plane and providing real-time feedback to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tube with laser sensor is fixed to the blade using welding or fixed connection, then the leveling guidance system can be implemented, but the tube's axis deforms over time due to shocks and vibrations, resulting in inaccurate leveling
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into two independent parts: the laser sensor remains fixed to the blade (maintaining stable relationship with blade edge), while the tube is made movable to accommodate deformations. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its functional stability independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube is designed to be movable relative to the blade rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust to deformations caused by shocks and vibrations during operation. This dynamic design prevents transmission of deformation errors to the laser sensor position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bulldozer is used for leveling, then the system can operate with a fixed blade, but the absence of a hydraulic arm limits versatility and the blade structure is more prone to deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to work with multiple types of excavation equipment (bulldozers, excavators with hydraulic arms) by placing the laser sensor on the blade itself rather than requiring a specific machine configuration. This universal approach allows the same leveling system to function across different machine types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fixed-tube system with an optical measurement system where the laser sensor directly measures blade position relative to the reference plane, eliminating the need for a rigid mechanical tube structure that is susceptible to deformation.
3Device complexity
If the laser sensor is positioned on a fixed tube, then the system structure is simple, but the constant distance between sensor and blade edge cannot be maintained due to tube deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the laser sensor from the deformable tube structure by mounting it directly on the blade, ensuring that the critical measurement point (sensor to blade edge distance) remains stable even when other parts of the system deform under operational stresses.
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
This system provides a more reliable, precise, and sustainable solution for soil leveling, resistant to deformation and equipment limitations, enabling accurate soil leveling even in complex terrain and improving operator visibility and control.
Implementation Method 1
a rotating laser is used by an operator to define a leveling plan
Implementation Method 2
a linear receiving cell including aligned photodiodes allowing to collect data representative of the height detection of the reference leveling plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a guidance system comprising: angular position detection devices disposed on the moving elements of the machine and configured to calculate the angular position relative to the same reference plane or direction, for example the vertical of the different moving elements, a laser detection device located on the bucket arm and comprising a laser sensor configured to identify and recognize a leveling plane defined by a rotating laser, a control device (10) configured to control the position of the excavator blade according to the data from the angular position detection devices (30, 31, 32, 34) and laser detection (4), and to instruct the operator so that the excavator blade follows the defined leveling plane (1).