Loading Machine Bucket Control With Manual Override Logic

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Solution Overview

Problem

The position of a bucket after semi-automatic control in loading machines does not always match the intended position specified by the operator, leading to inefficiencies in operation.

Innovation Solution

A control system for loading machines that includes an operation signal input unit, a movement control unit, an output determination unit, and an operation signal output unit to determine and output either manual or automatic operation signals based on operator input, ensuring the bucket is controlled according to the operator's intentions during automatic operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If semi-automatic control is used to automate excavation and loading operations, then productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but the bucket position accuracy and alignment with operator intentions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidbucket position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors the manual operation signal from the operation device and compares it with the automatic operation signal generated by the movement control unit. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect when manual input deviates from automatic control and adjust accordingly, ensuring the bucket reaches the intended position while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between manual and automatic control modes based on real-time operation conditions. The output determination unit evaluates the current state and determines whether to prioritize manual operator input or automatic control signals, creating a flexible hybrid control system that adapts to varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If full manual control is used to ensure precise bucket positioning according to operator intentions, then position accuracy is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebucket position accuracyVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring full manual control for precise positioning, the system applies partial automatic control for routine operations while allowing manual intervention only when needed. The movement control unit generates automatic operation signals for standard excavation and loading movements, reducing operator workload while maintaining sufficient position accuracy through selective manual override capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Stability of the object's composition

If automatic control signals are always prioritized to maintain consistent operation, then operational stability is improved, but adaptability to operator corrections and intentions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to operator input

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts the balance between automatic and manual control based on real-time conditions. The output determination unit continuously evaluates whether to maintain stable automatic control or adapt to manual operator input, allowing the system to transition smoothly between stable automated operation and adaptive manual control as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The output determination unit acts as an intermediary between the manual operation signal and automatic operation signal. It mediates conflicts between operator intentions and automatic control commands, determining which signal should be output based on current operational context, thus maintaining both stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual operation signals are always prioritized to ensure operator control, then adaptability to operator intentions is improved, but productivity and operational efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to operator inputVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements partial manual control by allowing operator input to override automatic signals only when necessary. The output determination unit evaluates each manual operation signal to determine if it represents a necessary correction or deviation, applying manual control selectively rather than continuously, thus maintaining productivity while providing adaptability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20240254722A1Control system and control method for loading machine

Publication Date: 2024.08.01 KOMATSU LTD

AI summary

An operation signal input unit (613) receives an input of a manual operation signal for a swing body (120) and work equipment (130) on the basis of an operation of an operation device (143). A movement control unit (619) generates an automatic operation signal for driving the swing body and the work equipment. An output determination unit (621) performs a determination of which of the manual operation signal and the automatic operation signal is to be output on the basis of the manual operation signal. Particularly, the output determination unit determines to output the manual operation signal when the manual operation signal indicates an operation resisting the automatic operation signal. An operation signal output unit (622) outputs the manual operation signal or the automatic operation signal on the basis of a result of the determination.