Laser-Guided Work Machine Range Control for Continuous Beam Reception

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Solution Overview

Problem

The laser receiver in work machines may fail to receive the laser beam due to blocking by attachments or deviation from the projection range, leading to poor work efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A work system with a laser projector and a work machine equipped with a laser receiver, a position detection unit, and a range setting unit that sets an allowable operation range to maintain laser beam reception, using a controller to manage the work machine's operation within these ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the work machine operates freely without range restrictions, then the work efficiency is improved through flexible operation, but the laser receiver may be blocked by attachments or deviate from the projection range, requiring work interruptions to re-establish beam reception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework efficiencyVSAvoidlaser beam reception continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The range setting unit pre-calculates and sets the allowable operation range based on the current relative position between the laser receiver and laser projector, and the attachment's potential blocking positions. This preliminary action establishes preventive boundaries before blocking occurs, allowing the operator to work continuously within the predefined safe range without interruptions for re-establishing beam reception.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The position detection unit continuously monitors the relative position between the laser receiver and laser projector, providing real-time feedback to the range setting unit. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of the allowable operation range as the machine moves, ensuring the receiver remains within the projection range while maintaining flexible operation for high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the allowable operation range is set based on real-time position detection, then the laser receiver maintains continuous beam reception, but the system complexity increases due to additional detection and calculation units

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser beam reception continuityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller of the work machine is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the attachment's operation, processes position detection data, calculates the allowable operation range, and provides guidance to the operator. By making the controller multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated units for each function, thereby maintaining reliability through continuous monitoring while minimizing the increase in system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances work efficiency by preventing the laser receiver from being blocked, reducing the frequency of re-establishing laser beam reception, and ensuring continuous operation.

Implementation Method 1

a laser projector that emits a laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a laser receiver capable of receiving the laser beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Data Source

PatentEP4696842A1Work system
Publication Date: 2026.02.18 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP4696842A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4696842A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4696842A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a work system capable of improving work efficiency. The work system comprises: a laser projector 70 that emits a laser beam; a work machine 20 that includes a laser beam receiver 27 capable of receiving a laser beam; a position detection unit that detects a relative position of the laser beam receiver 27 relative to the laser projector 70; and a range setting unit that sets an allowable operation range 91 in which the work machine 20 can operate while maintaining reception of the laser beam by means of the laser beam receiver 27.