Work Machine Implement Control for Subterranean Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subterranean monitoring systems using ground penetrating radar (GPR) in work machines, such as excavators, face challenges in maintaining consistent contact with the ground surface during scanning, leading to poor data quality and increased stress on machine components.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a load sensor and position sensors associated with the work machine's implement to automatically control actuators, maintaining contact with the ground surface and generating multidimensional parameters for an electronic worksite map, thereby reducing operator intervention and improving data accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the operator manually maintains constant contact of the bucket with the ground surface during scanning, then data quality is improved, but machine component stress increases and operator workload increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses load sensors to detect when the implement loses contact with the ground surface and automatically commands actuators to restore contact, enabling the system to self-correct without operator intervention and maintaining constant contact while reducing manual workload
Solution Approach 2:
Load sensors provide real-time feedback on implement-to-ground contact status, which is processed by the controller to automatically adjust actuator commands and maintain proper contact throughout the scanning operation
2Measurement precision
If the operator manually maintains constant contact of the bucket with the ground surface during scanning, then data quality is improved, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated contact maintenance system performs the tedious task of keeping the implement in constant contact with the ground through automatic sensor-actuator control, freeing the operator to focus on navigation and scan planning
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual operator control with an automated electronic control system that uses load sensors and actuators to maintain implement contact, substituting mechanical operator effort with automated sensing and actuation
3Reliability
If the operator focuses on maintaining constant contact during the sweeping motion, then contact consistency is improved, but the sweep length is reduced and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system continuously monitors and maintains implement contact throughout the entire sweep, enabling operators to perform longer, more efficient sweeps without worrying about contact consistency, thereby increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The load sensor and actuator system ensures continuous maintainance of implement-to-ground contact throughout the entire scanning operation, eliminating gaps in data collection and allowing for longer uninterrupted sweeps
4Ease of operation
If manual contact maintenance is used during scanning, then operational flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to operator error
Solution Approach 1:
Load sensors provide continuous feedback on implement contact status, enabling automatic correction of contact variations and eliminating operator error, while the system remains flexible enough to adapt to different ground conditions and scanning requirements
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables more efficient and accurate subterranean mapping by maintaining consistent contact and reducing operator error, while also minimizing mechanical stress and allowing for longer sweep lengths during scanning.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor associated with the first implement... input signals from the load sensor corresponding to a predetermined range of load values
Implementation Method 2
ground penetrating radar (GPR) systems and techniques... subterranean monitoring unit
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine comprises a machine frame and at least a first implement for working a terrain, a subterranean monitoring unit and a load sensor associated with the first implement, and position sensors respectively associated with the machine frame and the at least first implement. A corresponding method includes, during a subterranean monitoring operation independent of an earth working operation, automatically controlling at least one actuator associated with the first implement to maintain contact of at least one surface of the first implement with a ground surface, the automatic control based at least in part on input signals from the load sensor corresponding to a predetermined range of load values, and generating multidimensional parameters for an electronic worksite map associated with a current location of the work machine, the parameters generated via at least input signals from the subterranean monitoring unit further corresponding with input signals from the position sensors.