Excavator Arm Pendulum Detector for Underground Object Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current localization systems for earth-moving machines are inefficient and prone to damage when detecting underground objects during excavation, as they require separate terrain scanning and are not designed to withstand the rigors of excavation work, especially when determining the depth of buried objects.
Innovation Solution
A localization system for earth-moving machines featuring a detector component with a defined detection direction aligned parallel to the excavator arm, equipped with antennae or magnetic field detectors, mounted on the lower boom component to avoid damage and enable real-time detection of underground objects without pre-scanning the terrain, using electromagnetic fields to determine object distance and depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are mounted directly on the excavator bucket for detecting magnetic fields of underground objects, then the detection capability is improved, but the sensors are prone to damage during excavation work
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sensing function into two separate locations: sensors mounted on the excavator arm (away from the bucket) and sensors mounted on the bucket itself. This segmentation allows the main sensors to be protected from damage while still enabling detection through the bucket's magnetic field interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The excavator arm acts as an intermediary structure that carries protected sensors close to the working area without exposing them to direct contact with the ground or objects. The arm serves as a safe platform for hosting detection equipment that would otherwise be vulnerable if mounted directly on the bucket.
2Measurement precision
If separate terrain scanning is performed before excavation to detect underground objects, then object detection accuracy is improved, but the time and cost of excavation operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the terrain scanning function with the excavation operation itself by mounting sensors on the excavator equipment. The detection process occurs simultaneously with excavation activities, eliminating the need for separate pre-scanning operations and integrating both functions into a single workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors continuously monitor for underground objects in advance of the bucket's contact with the ground, providing early warning of potential hazards. This preliminary detection capability allows operators to adjust excavation paths or depths to avoid objects without stopping for separate scanning operations.
3Loss of information
If two magnetic field detectors are arranged at different heights on the machine to determine relative position, then position information is obtained, but the distance and depth of field generators cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from two-dimensional horizontal sensor arrangement to three-dimensional spatial configuration by mounting sensors at different heights and positions on the excavator arm and bucket. This multi-dimensional arrangement enables calculation of both horizontal distance and vertical depth to underground objects through triangulation and field strength analysis.
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 solution allows for reliable and damage-resistant detection of underground objects in real-time, reducing the need for separate terrain scanning and enhancing the safety and efficiency of excavation operations by accurately determining object depth and distance using electromagnetic fields.
Implementation Method 1
the detection is carried out by means of a detector component 5 having a defined detection direction and pointing in the direction of the earth-moving part 13
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a localization system for localizing an underground object for an Earthmoving machine comprising a working part. Said localization system comprises a fastening component and a detector component. The fastening component can be arranged on the working part for example by means of magnets. The detector component is adapted to detect the object using an electromagnetic field that can be associated with the object and is arranged on the fastening component so as to swing like a pendulum, thereby effecting an alignment of the detector component under the effect of gravity. Optionally, the localization system comprises an arithmetic component for deriving a distance information of the object from the detected value. The localization system also comprises a display component for displaying and/or forwarding the detected value and/or the distance information.