Excavator Loading Control Using Truck Stop Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling work machines, such as hydraulic excavators, lack efficient coordination with conveyance vehicles for automatic loading operations, leading to suboptimal work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system for work machines that includes detection devices and controllers to monitor the operation of conveyance vehicles, allowing the work machine to rotate and unload materials only when the conveyance vehicle is stopped at the loading position, and utilizing topography sensors to determine the digging start position and coordinate loading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the work machine performs automatic loading operations without coordinating with the conveyance vehicle, then the work machine can operate autonomously, but the work efficiency decreases due to poor coordination
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device continuously monitors the conveyance vehicle's operation state and feeds this information back to the controller. The controller adjusts the work machine's operations based on this feedback, enabling coordinated automatic loading that improves work efficiency while maintaining automation.
2Productivity
If the work machine waits for the conveyance vehicle to arrive before unloading, then coordination between machines is improved, but the work machine experiences idle time reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine performs preliminary actions such as positioning the work implement at the unloading position and preparing for discharge before the conveyance vehicle arrives. This reduces waiting time and ensures immediate operation readiness when the vehicle arrives, improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The work machine maintains continuous useful actions during the conveyance vehicle's arrival time by performing positioning, preparation, and other productive tasks. This minimizes idle time and ensures the machine is ready for immediate unloading, maintaining continuous productivity.
3Productivity
If the work machine rotates to the unloading position continuously, then the unloading operation is maintained, but energy is wasted when the conveyance vehicle is not present
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation of the rotating body is made dynamic and adaptive based on the conveyance vehicle's presence and operation state. The controller adjusts rotation timing and frequency to match actual unloading needs, maintaining productivity while minimizing energy consumption during idle periods.
4Measurement precision
If the detection device continuously monitors the conveyance vehicle operation, then the coordination accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is designed with multi-functionality to monitor various aspects of the conveyance vehicle's operation (position, speed, arrival state) using integrated sensors and processing capabilities. This reduces the need for multiple separate detection systems, maintaining high measurement precision while controlling overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine loads materials onto a conveyance vehicle. A system for controlling the work machine includes a detection device that detects an operation of the conveyance vehicle, and a controller that controls the work machine. The work machine includes a work implement attached to a rotating body. The controller acquires operation data indicative of an operation of the conveyance vehicle from the detection device. The controller causes the rotating body to rotate toward a predetermined unloading position. The controller determines whether the conveyance vehicle is stopped at a predetermined loading position based on the operation data. The controller causes the work implement to wait on standby at the unloading position upon determining that the conveyance vehicle is operating. The controller controls the work machine to unload materials at the unloading position upon determining that the conveyance vehicle is stopped at the loading position.