Variable Resolution Graphical Grade Indicator for Excavation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling earthmoving machines, such as scrapers and bulldozers, face challenges in accurately determining the position of the cutting blade relative to the desired grade, leading to inaccurate grading due to limited range and resolution of LED-based indicators.
Innovation Solution
A graphical grade indicator with a variable resolution and substantially unlimited range is introduced, providing a clearer indication of the blade's position and necessary adjustments through a graphical scale and directional arrows, allowing for precise control of grading operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LED-based indicators are used to show blade position, then the operator can see blade position information, but the range of indication is limited and accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical display dynamically adjusts its scale and resolution based on the blade's position relative to the desired grade. The system provides variable resolution where closer positions show finer gradations while distant positions show coarser gradations, allowing the display to adapt to different grading scenarios and maintain accuracy across a wide range of deviations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display parameters (scale, resolution, and range) based on the actual blade position and deviation from grade. This allows the same display interface to provide both high precision for small deviations and extended range for large deviations, resolving the contradiction between accuracy and adaptability.
2Loss of information
If multiple LEDs are placed to indicate blade position, then more position information is provided, but the system complexity increases and resolution remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical LED-based indication system with a graphical display system that uses software-rendered visual elements. This substitution allows for continuous variable resolution and unlimited range indication without the physical constraints and complexity of multiple discrete LEDs, while providing complete blade position information through a scalable graphical interface.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual grading with ground crew is used, then accurate grading can be achieved, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous real-time feedback to the operator through the graphical display, showing the blade's actual position relative to the desired grade with high precision. This automated feedback loop replaces the manual feedback previously provided by ground crew with surveying instruments, maintaining grading accuracy while eliminating the time consumption and labor intensity associated with manual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical grade indicator for use in earth moving operations has an improved, variable resolution and a substantially unlimited range. This grade indicator results in a more accurate indication of the position of a cutting blade relative to the desired grade and, as a result, allows a machine operator to more accurately control grading operations. In one embodiment, a graphical grade indicator has a graphical scale with a substantially unlimited range and various indications indicating a desired grade level and at least a first undesirable grade level. When the cutting blade deviates from the desired grade level, a first indication is provided indicating, illustratively, the direction and magnitude of movement of the cutting blade repositioning necessary to achieve the desired grade. The resolution of the graphical scale can be changed in order to provide a desired degree of accuracy in grading operations.