Excavator Attachment Path Control With Low-Load Locus Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies fail to generate a target locus for an attachment in a working machine with sufficient detail and impose a high calculation load.

Innovation Solution

A target locus generation system for a working machine comprising a posture detector, contour detector, and contact detector, which includes a controller to determine the target locus of an attachment by detecting the posture, contour, and contact of the bucket with the excavation object, setting the arm and bucket positions based on intersection angles and offset amounts to minimize calculation load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate software modules are used for different functions, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple software modules (routing module, notification module, voicemail module, etc.) into a single integrated software component that executes on the processor. This consolidation maintains all required functions while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate hardware or software modules for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated software component is designed to perform multiple functions universally - it can route calls, send notifications, manage voicemail, and handle various communication protocols within a single unified structure, making the system adaptable to different communication needs without requiring additional specialized modules.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If advanced communication features are added, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication featuresVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically manages complex communication tasks without requiring user intervention. The routing module automatically directs calls based on predefined rules, the notification module automatically sends alerts, and the voicemail module automatically transcribes and stores messages, allowing users to benefit from advanced features while the system handles the complexity autonomously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If signal processing capabilities are enhanced, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processingVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex hardware-based signal processing systems with software-based processing that executes on the existing processor. This substitution maintains signal processing capabilities while reducing energy consumption by utilizing the processor's existing computational resources rather than dedicated hardware accelerators or additional power-hungry components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4296439B1Target path generation system
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4296439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4296439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4296439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A target locus of an attachment is determined while a calculation load for generating the target locus of the attachment is suppressed. A controller (30) is configured to set a position of an arm distal end (15t) at a time when a contact detector (33) detects contact of a bucket distal end (17t) with an excavation object (A) at a start point (P1) of an arm distal end target locus (Ta). The controller (40) is configured to receive information about a form of the arm distal end target locus (Ta) in advance. The controller (40) is configured to set a position for a finish point (P3) on the basis of an angle (α) of a surface of the excavation object (A), an intersection angle (β) between the arm distal end target locus (Ta) and the surface of the excavation object (A), information about the form of the arm distal end target locus (Ta), and an offset amount (O) about the finish point of the arm distal end target locus (Ta).