Machine Control Unit Configuration for Multi-Phase Earthmoving
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earth-moving operations in construction machines require significant manual intervention, particularly in operations involving multiple consecutive phases, as current automation systems lack the capability to fully automate or partially automate these processes, leading to operator fatigue and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing 3D measuring data from sensors like laser scanners and ToF cameras to capture terrain data, allowing for partial automation of earth-moving operations by detecting previous phases and configuring the machine control unit based on operator input, enabling continuous detection and automatic performance of subsequent phases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing automation systems are used for earth-moving operations, then some level of automation is achieved, but the systems cannot fully or partially automate operations involving multiple consecutive phases, requiring significant manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures 3D measuring data of the terrain and detected elements from previous phases, using this feedback to automatically configure the machine control unit for the next phase. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt and automate multi-phase operations without requiring manual reconfiguration between phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine control unit automatically configures itself for the next phase by detecting elements from the previous phase and using operator input to determine the appropriate configuration. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention to reconfigure the system between phases, significantly reducing operator workload while maintaining high automation levels.
2Manufacturing precision
If 3D systems are used for earth-moving operations, then accurate surface cutting is achieved, but complex computer systems are required to create surface design files
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complex computer systems to create surface design files, the system captures 3D measuring data of the actual terrain and detected elements, creating a digital copy of the environment. This copied data is then used to automatically configure the machine control unit, simplifying the system while maintaining accurate surface cutting capability.
3Productivity
If manual control is used for earth-moving operations, then operator flexibility is maintained, but operator fatigue increases and efficiency decreases in multi-phase operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial automation where the machine control unit automatically configures itself for each phase based on detected elements from the previous phase, while still allowing operator input when needed. This partial automation approach maintains operator flexibility and control while significantly reducing the manual workload and fatigue associated with fully manual multi-phase operations, thereby improving productivity.
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 automation in earth-moving operations, reducing operator workload by allowing partial or full automation of consecutive phases, improving efficiency and accuracy in tasks like ditch construction.
Implementation Method 1
an environment can be optically scanned and measured by means of the laser scanner emitting a laser measurement beam, e.g. using pulsed electromagnetic radiation, wherein an echo is received from a backscattering surface point of the environment and a distance to the surface point is derived
Implementation Method 2
laser scanner emitting a laser measurement beam
Implementation Method 3
a ToF camera, the ToF camera being configured for capturing three-dimensional measuring data of a terrain in a surrounding of the construction machine
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
System (70) and method for configuring a machine control unit (75) of a construction machine for performing an earth-moving operation, the earth-moving operation comprising a multitude of phases that are to be performed consecutively, the method comprising, by a computing unit (71): receiving three-dimensional measuring data of a terrain in a surrounding of the construction machine in at least a first detection range, detecting elements of a previous phase of the earth-moving operation based on the three-dimensional measuring data, and configuring, based at least on the detected elements, the machine control unit to at least partially perform the next phase of the earth-moving operation automatically.