Excavator Work Area Control Using Approach-Velocity Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction equipment, such as excavators, face inefficiencies and potential work area invasions due to uniform velocity limitations based on distance from the work area without considering approach velocity, leading to reduced work efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a control valve, operation lever, work setting unit, information providing unit, and electronic control unit to determine cutoff strength based on the approach velocity of the work device, calculating expected collision distances and times to prevent invasions, allowing natural operation when not at risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform velocity limitation is applied based on distance from work area, then work area invasion is prevented, but work efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static uniform velocity limitation to dynamic velocity limitation that adapts to real-time conditions. The control unit calculates approach velocity and adjusts the velocity limitation threshold dynamically - allowing higher velocities when approach velocity is low and maintaining strict limitations when approach velocity indicates potential invasion risk, thereby optimizing both safety and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of velocity limitation from a fixed value to a variable value based on multiple factors including distance to work area boundary, approach velocity, and calculated collision risk. This parameter change enables the system to differentiate between safe high-velocity operations and risky approaches, resolving the contradiction between prevention and efficiency
2Reliability
If velocity is limited uniformly regardless of approach velocity, then work area boundary is protected, but work device operation stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the velocity limitation parameter from uniform to variable based on approach velocity calculations. When approach velocity is low and collision risk is minimal, the system allows more natural velocity variations improving operational stability. When approach velocity increases indicating potential invasion, the system dynamically adjusts limitations to maintain boundary protection, thus resolving the contradiction
3Device complexity
If distance-based velocity limitation is used, then simple control is achieved, but work device invasion risk increases at high approach velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the work device's position, calculating distance to work area boundary, determining approach velocity, and using this feedback loop to dynamically adjust velocity limitations. This feedback mechanism enables the relatively simple control unit to respond adaptively to changing conditions, preventing invasions at high approach velocities while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical velocity control mechanisms with electronic calculation and control. The control unit uses computational algorithms to calculate approach velocity and collision risk, then electronically adjusts hydraulic control signals, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic intelligence to achieve reliable invasion prevention
Data Source
AI summary
The construction equipment includes a lower traveling part, an upper turning part, a work device, a control valve configured to control the hydraulic cylinder, and an operation lever. The construction equipment further includes a work setting unit configured to set a work area of the work device and an information providing unit configured to provide at least one of geographic information, position information of the work device, and posture information of the work device. The construction equipment also includes an electronic control unit configured to output a control signal for the control valve according to a signal input from at least one of the operation lever, the work setting unit, and the information providing unit. In the event the work device is likely to invade the work area, the electronic control unit determines cutoff strength for the operation signal based on a velocity of the work device.