Pendulum Detector Alignment for Excavator Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing localization systems for earth-moving machines are prone to damage and inefficient in detecting underground objects, particularly when used for large areas, as they require complex setups and additional sensors to determine object depth accurately.
Innovation Solution
A pendulum-like detector component arrangement on a fastening component, which is detachably fixed to the excavator arm, allows for gravity-influenced alignment, enabling simple detection of underground objects using antennae or magnetic field sensors without additional sensors or complex data evaluation, and can be designed with flexible connecting elements or frame-like constructions for stability and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the detector component is mounted directly on the working part (excavator bucket), then the detection capability is improved, but the risk of damage to the detector increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the detector component from the working part by introducing an intermediate pendulum-like mounting mechanism. The detector is mounted on a fastening component that can be detached from the excavator arm, creating distinct functional segments that can be independently positioned and protected.
Solution Approach 2:
A pendulum-like intermediate mounting structure is introduced between the detector and the excavator arm. This intermediary mechanism allows the detector to maintain proper orientation while being positioned at a safe distance from the bucket, reducing direct exposure to damage risks during excavation operations.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors and complex data evaluation algorithms are used to determine object depth, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pendulum-like mounting mechanism utilizes the natural force of gravity to automatically orient the detector vertically. This self-aligning property eliminates the need for additional orientation sensors or complex control algorithms to maintain proper detector positioning, simplifying the overall system while ensuring accurate depth measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a mechanical pendulum-based orientation mechanism. Instead of using motors, sensors, and control algorithms to maintain vertical alignment, the system uses the simple mechanical principle of a pendulum naturally aligning with gravity, significantly reducing device complexity.
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
The system provides a stable and efficient method for detecting underground objects by automatically aligning detectors vertically, allowing for accurate distance determination without additional sensors, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational efficiency during earthworks.
Implementation Method 1
Owing to the pendulum-like arrangement of the detector component on the fastening component, the detector component is aligned under the action of gravity for different positions of the working part
Implementation Method 2
The investigation is effected in general on the basis of the detection of electromagnetic fields which can be coordinated with the objects, for example by means of commercially available hand-held locating devices
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a localization system for localizing an underground object for an earthmoving machine comprising a working part. The localization system comprises a fastening component and a detector component. The fastening component can be arranged on the working part for example by means of magnets. The detector component is adapted to detect the object using an electromagnetic field that can be associated with the object and is arranged on the fastening component so as to swing like a pendulum, thereby effecting an alignment of the detector component under the effect of gravity. Optionally, the localization system comprises an arithmetic component for deriving a distance information of the object from the detected value. The localization system also comprises a display component for displaying and/or forwarding the detected value and/or the distance information.