Manual-to-Automatic Excavator Handoff by Progress Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines with automatic control functions are expensive and there is room for improvement in construction efficiency, necessitating a method to enhance efficiency while reducing the use of such machines.
Innovation Solution
A construction method and system utilizing a first work machine operated manually and a second work machine with automatic control, where the progress rate of the manual operation is monitored, and when it reaches a threshold, the manual operation stops, allowing the automatic machine to take over.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If work machines with automatic control functions are used, then construction efficiency is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The construction work is divided into multiple construction ranges, with manual work machines handling earlier ranges and automatic work machines taking over when progress rate reaches a threshold. This segmentation allows the system to benefit from automatic control efficiency while limiting the number of expensive automatic machines needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between manual and automatic control modes based on the progress rate of construction. When the progress rate reaches a predetermined threshold, the system automatically switches from manual operation to automatic operation, optimizing the balance between cost and efficiency throughout the construction process.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual operation is used, then cost is reduced, but construction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Manual work machines perform preliminary construction work in the first construction range before automatic work machines take over. This preliminary action allows the more efficient automatic machines to handle the remaining work, improving overall construction efficiency while keeping costs lower than using automatic machines for the entire process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between manual and automatic control modes based on the progress rate of construction. When the progress rate reaches a predetermined threshold, the system automatically switches from manual operation to automatic operation, optimizing the balance between cost and efficiency throughout the construction process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the number of automatic control work machines is reduced, then cost is reduced, but construction efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The construction site is divided into multiple construction ranges, allowing a single automatic work machine to sequentially handle different segments. This segmentation enables fewer automatic machines to cover the entire construction area by transitioning between ranges as progress is made.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically transitions between manual and automatic control modes based on the progress rate of construction. When the progress rate reaches a predetermined threshold, the system automatically switches from manual operation to automatic operation, optimizing the balance between cost and efficiency throughout the construction process.
Data Source
AI summary
In a construction method using an excavator that is controlled by manual operation, and an excavator that includes an automatic working-equipment control unit automatically controlling second working equipment on the basis of at least one of a current terrain and a designed terrain of a construction range in a construction site, and a tooth-edge position of the second working equipment, a progress rate that indicates a volume of soil having been excavated by the excavator to a target volume of soil to be excavated by the excavator in the construction range is calculated, and when the progress rate is equal to or larger than a threshold, the excavator stops construction of the construction range, and the excavator takes over the construction of the construction range, from the excavator.