Implement-Based Boulder Position Detection for Removal Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The removal of large rock portions or boulders at construction sites often requires dedicated removal machines, incurring significant costs, and there is a need to determine when and how to employ these machines efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A method where a working machine, such as a wheel loader or excavator, is used to determine the position and size of boulders by positioning its implement adjacent to or in contact with the boulder, using sensors and load detection to establish a determinable relation, and then transmitting this information to a dedicated object removal machine.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated removal machine is sent to the work site to remove large rock portions, then the removal capability is improved, but the operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval capabilityVSAvoidoperational costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of rock portions using the working machine's sensors and positioning system before the dedicated removal machine arrives. This advance identification allows the removal machine to be precisely guided to rock locations, ensuring its removal capability is fully utilized while avoiding unnecessary operational costs through targeted operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If a dedicated removal machine is employed for large rock portions, then the removal efficiency is improved, but the decision-making complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval efficiencyVSAvoiddecision-making complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring rock portion characteristics (size, position, quantity) using sensors and GPS, then automatically comparing these against removal machine capabilities. This feedback loop provides objective data that simplifies the decision-making process, allowing operators to efficiently determine when dedicated removal machines should be deployed based on quantified rock characteristics rather than subjective assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the detection sensors and the removal machine operation. It processes sensor data, determines rock positions and sizes, and generates guidance information for the removal machine, thereby mediating the complex decision-making process and translating raw data into actionable operational decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the working machine positions its implement adjacent to boulders for detection, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the time required for detection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveboulder position accuracyVSAvoiddetection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated process. The working machine's implement serves dual purposes: performing its primary working function while simultaneously positioned to detect rock portions through integrated sensors. This combination eliminates the need for separate detection operations, achieving accurate boulder position measurements without significant time penalty.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The working machine performs self-service detection by using its own implement and integrated sensors to identify rock portions during its normal operations. The machine's implement automatically positions itself to detect rocks, and the system uses the machine's existing positioning data, thereby eliminating the need for separate detection equipment or procedures and reducing overall detection time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3601685B1A method for determining object position information
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP3601685B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3601685B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3601685B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for determining object position information indicative of the position, comprising at least the horizontal position, of an object (28; 30; 32) that is intended to be removed using an object removal machine (34). The method uses a working machine (10) being different from the object removal machine (34) and comprising an implement (14). The method comprises: - arranging the implement (14) such that at a position of at least a portion thereof has a determinable relation to the position of the object (28; 30; 32); - determining the position of the implement (14), and - determining the object position information using the position of the implement (14).