Real-Time Raised Contour Mapping During Dozer Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack an efficient method to determine and generate electronic maps of raised contours, such as berms, formed by machines like dozers, which are crucial for guiding haul machines and optimizing material dumping operations near high walls.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a position sensing system, a work implement, and a controller that determines the machine's positions and forms reference positions along the berm edge, generating a map of the raised contour in real-time as the berm is formed, allowing for autonomous or semi-autonomous operation and improved material handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a machine is driven by an operator along the berm to capture position data after the berm is formed, then the electronic map of the berm can be generated, but this process consumes additional time and requires separate post-mapping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs mapping actions during the berm formation process itself, rather than after. The position sensing system continuously captures data as the dozer forms the berm, and the controller generates the electronic map in real-time during material placement operations, eliminating the need for separate post-mapping trips.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the berm formation operation and the mapping operation into a single integrated process. The dozer performs both material placement and position data capture simultaneously, merging two previously separate functions into one coordinated operation that reduces total time and improves efficiency.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple material moving operations are performed to position material and shape the berm, then the desired berm configuration is achieved, but the process requires extensive operator manipulation and time
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously receives position data from the position sensing system during berm formation and uses this feedback to guide the dozer operator or autonomous system in achieving the desired berm configuration. This real-time feedback reduces the number of trial-and-error operations needed to achieve precise berm placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-determines the desired berm configuration and uses the position sensing system to guide material placement operations toward this target from the beginning, rather than requiring multiple corrective operations after the fact. This preliminary planning approach reduces total operation time while maintaining precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional separate processes are used for berm formation and mapping, then each process can be optimized independently, but the overall operation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates berm formation and mapping into a single coordinated operation using the same dozer, position sensing system, and controller. This merging eliminates the need for separate mapping trips and reduces total operation time while maintaining the simplicity of using existing dozer equipment for both functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a position sensing system for determining a position of a machine and a work implement configured to engage material to form a raised contour. A controller determines a plurality of positions of the machine as the machine moves about the work site and the work implement forms the raised contour, determines a plurality of reference positions along an edge of the raised contour as the work implement forms the raised contour, and generates a map of the edge of the raised contour based upon the plurality of reference positions.