Excavator Control Logic for Safe Program Rewriting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for updating software in construction machines, such as excavators, may lead to errors like writing incorrect programs or updating machines that do not require software changes, potentially compromising safety and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An excavator management system that includes a control device with a memory for storing programs, allowing program rewriting only when a predetermined condition is met, such as the excavator being in a key-off state, to ensure safety and prevent unauthorized updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If program rewriting is permitted without conditions, then software updates can be performed freely and efficiently, but errors may occur such as writing incorrect programs or updating machines that do not require software changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware update efficiencyVSAvoidprogram writing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device checks whether a software update is necessary before performing the update. This preliminary verification step ensures that updates are only applied when needed, preventing unnecessary changes and potential errors while maintaining efficient update processes for machines that require updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If program rewriting is restricted with conditions, then safety and accuracy are improved, but the complexity of the update process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogram writing accuracyVSAvoidupdate process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically determines whether a software update is necessary by comparing the current program version with the latest available version. This self-service approach handles the verification process automatically without requiring manual intervention or complex external verification systems, thus maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If software updates are performed frequently, then system functionality is improved, but the risk of introducing errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before performing a software update, the control device verifies whether the update is necessary by checking version information. This preliminary check ensures that updates are only applied when functional improvements are actually available, preventing unnecessary updates that could introduce errors while still enabling frequent updates when beneficial changes exist.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250021313A1excavator

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

AI summary

An excavator includes an upper turning body; a lower traveling body; and a control device. The control device includes a memory. In the memory, a program is stored. The program stored in the memory is permitted to be rewritten, in a case where it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied.