Remote Construction Machine Controls With Auto-Matched Lever Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote operation systems for construction machines require troublesome adjustments when a slave operating device is not set with a main operating device, leading to inconsistent operation characteristics, which affects the operator's ability to remotely control the machine with the same feeling as an actual construction machine.

Innovation Solution

A remote operation system that includes a main operating device and a slave operating device, where the slave device transmits type information and receives operations from the main device, and the main device uses stored correction information to adjust the operation amount based on the type information of both devices, ensuring matching operation characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a slave operating device not set with a main operating device is attached to a construction machine, then the construction machine can be operated remotely, but the operation characteristic of the slave does not match the operation characteristic of the main operating device, resulting in inconsistent operation feeling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different slave devicesVSAvoidoperation feeling consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by storing correction values in a memory unit that correspond to different combination patterns of main operating devices and slave operating devices. The controller retrieves the appropriate correction value based on the detected device types and uses it to adjust the operation amount, thereby changing the operational parameters to achieve consistent operation feeling across different device combinations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by detecting the types of both the main operating device and slave operating device, retrieving the corresponding correction value from memory, and applying this correction to the operation amount. This closed-loop approach ensures that the operation characteristic of the slave device is matched to the main operating device, providing consistent operation feeling without requiring manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If correction work is performed on the slave operating device side to match operation characteristics, then operation consistency can be achieved, but a lot of labor is required for monitoring and adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation characteristic matchingVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing correction values in the memory unit for various combination patterns of main operating devices and slave operating devices. Instead of performing correction work during actual operation, the system has all necessary correction data prepared in advance, allowing immediate retrieval and application of the appropriate correction value when devices are connected, thereby eliminating time-consuming on-site adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting the types of connected devices, retrieving the corresponding correction value from memory, and applying the correction without requiring manual intervention. The controller autonomously performs the entire correction process, eliminating the need for operators to monitor and adjust operation characteristics manually.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If a master imitates an operator seat of an actual construction machine, then operation feeling can be improved, but the cost increases and installation space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation feelingVSAvoidinstallation requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing complex mechanical imitation systems with an electronic correction system. Instead of using a physical master device that mechanically imitates the operator seat, the system uses a simple master operating device combined with electronic correction values stored in memory. The controller calculates and applies the appropriate correction based on device type combinations, achieving consistent operation feeling through software-based parameter adjustment rather than complex mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3744905B1Remote operation system and main operating device
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3744905B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3744905B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3744905B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A correction value for matching an operation characteristic of a slave 10 with an operation characteristic of a master 20 is registered in advance in a correction table T1 for each combination of type information of a construction machine 30 and type information of the salve 10. A controller 22 acquires, from correction information 241, a correction value corresponding to a combination of the type information of the construction machine 30 and the type information of the slave 10 received by a communication unit 21, corrects an amount of operation accepted by an operating lever 23 based on the acquired correction value, and transmits the corrected amount of operation to the communication unit 21.