Excavator Attachment Load Estimation Without Manual Height Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydraulic excavators require cumbersome manual adjustments of the reference height level for loading operations based on varying work site conditions, leading to inefficient load calculations.

Innovation Solution

A work machine equipped with a load acquisition section and an estimative load determination part that automatically determines the load of an object held by an attachment, such as a bucket, using criteria like reduction manipulations and load thresholds, to estimate and adjust the load without manual site-specific settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual setting operation of reference height level is used to adapt to varying work site conditions, then measurement precision of load is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload measurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines the reference height level by detecting the ground level and dump truck bed level using sensors, eliminating the need for manual operator input. The control unit autonomously calculates the reference height based on detected positions, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous operator intervention for setting adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment operations with automated sensor-based detection and electronic calculation. Instead of requiring the operator to physically adjust reference height settings, the system uses height detection sensors and a control unit to automatically determine and update the reference height level based on real-time work site conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual adjustment of reference height level is performed for each work site condition, then adaptability to different work sites is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated setting operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to work site conditionsVSAvoidtime loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The reference height level is made dynamic rather than static, automatically updating based on real-time detection of ground level and dump truck bed level. The system continuously monitors work site conditions and adjusts the reference height accordingly, enabling adaptability to different work sites without requiring manual reconfiguration for each location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback through height detection sensors that continuously monitor the positions of the ground and dump truck bed. This feedback information is processed by the control unit to automatically adjust the reference height level, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to changing work site conditions without operator intervention and eliminates time loss from manual adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automated load determination is implemented without manual settings, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidload measurement precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual setting operations with automated sensor-based detection systems that measure ground level and dump truck bed level. This substitution maintains measurement precision by using electronic sensors and calculation algorithms rather than manual estimation, while simultaneously improving ease of operation by eliminating the need for operator intervention in setting reference heights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting work site parameters, calculating the reference height level, and determining load measurements without requiring operator input. This automation maintains precision through systematic sensor-based measurement and electronic computation while dramatically improving ease of operation by removing manual setting tasks entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12523002B2Work machine

Publication Date: 2026.01.13 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

An estimative load determination part included in a work machine determines, based on a load acquired by a load acquisition section, an estimative load of an object of a work held by an attachment when an estimative load determinative criterion is satisfied. The estimative load determinative criterion includes at least one of a criterion that a predetermined first reduction manipulation is detected in a holding task and a criterion that the first reduction manipulation is detected after the holding task, the first reduction manipulation being for reducing an amount of the object held by the attachment.