Remote Operation Control for Matched Construction Machine Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional remote operation systems for construction machines require matching master and slave devices to operate effectively, making it difficult to achieve the same operation feeling when the slave device is not part of a set with the main operating device, leading to inefficient remote operation without labor-intensive adjustments.

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 operations based on the type information of both devices, ensuring the slave device operates correctly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a slave operating device not matched as a set with the main operating device is used, then adaptability is improved, but operation feeling matches deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidoperation feeling

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the operation characteristics of the slave device based on received operation amounts. The slave device modifies its operational parameters (such as boom inclination angle) to match the operator's intended actions, thereby achieving consistent operation feeling across different device combinations without requiring exact hardware matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the operation amounts received from the main device and adjusting the slave device's responses accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the operation feeling remains consistent even when using unmatched devices, as the slave device adapts its behavior based on the actual operation inputs received.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If correction work is performed on the slave device side, then operation feeling matches are improved, but labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation feelingVSAvoidadjustment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by performing correction operations on the main device side rather than the slave device side. The main device transmits corrected operation amounts that already account for matching requirements, eliminating the need for manual adjustment work at the slave device location and reducing overall labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication system acts as an intermediary that automatically performs correction calculations. Instead of requiring manual intervention to adjust the slave device, the system uses automated correction algorithms to adjust operation amounts during transmission, thereby eliminating labor-intensive adjustment work while maintaining operation feeling matches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a direct imitation of an operator seat is used as a master, then operation feeling is improved, but cost and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation feelingVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the main device to handle multiple functions including operation input, correction calculations, and communication. This multi-functional design allows the system to achieve consistent operation feeling across different slave devices without requiring specialized hardware configurations, thereby reducing installation space and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces complex mechanical matching requirements with electronic correction and communication mechanisms. Instead of requiring physically matched device pairs, the patent uses digital correction algorithms to achieve operation feeling matches, thereby reducing the need for complex mechanical installations and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11466431B2Remote operation system and main operating device

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

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