Sensor-Guided Excavation Vehicle Navigation for 24/7 Earthmoving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excavation methods rely heavily on manual operators, leading to high costs, limited operational hours due to day-time constraints, and increased risk of human error, as well as inefficiencies in labor supply and quality control.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation system equipped with sensors that navigate and control excavation vehicles to execute excavation routines, generating digital terrain models and target tool paths for precise earth removal, reducing manual labor needs and improving project efficiency and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operators are used to operate excavation vehicles, then human control and adaptability are maintained, but operational costs increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The excavation vehicle is equipped with sensors, processors, and control systems that enable it to autonomously perform excavation tasks without continuous human intervention. The system self-manages navigation, tool operation, and task execution based on pre-programmed routines and real-time sensor feedback, thereby increasing productivity while the complexity is managed through integrated autonomous control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect environmental conditions and processors to execute predetermined routines. This substitution of human-operated mechanical control with automated sensor-processor-actuator systems resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous operation and improved efficiency while managing complexity through systematic automation
2Duration of action of moving object
If manual operators work during daytime only, then safety and operational control are maintained, but operational duration is limited and project timeline extends
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous excavation system enables continuous operation around the clock without interruption for operator shifts, breaks, or safety breaks. The vehicle operates continuously by executing predetermined routines and responding to sensor feedback, maintaining reliability through automated safety monitoring and error detection systems while maximizing operational duration
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor operational conditions and provide feedback to the control processor. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable operation by detecting anomalies, adjusting parameters in real-time, and maintaining safe operation during extended continuous work periods, thereby resolving the contradiction between extended duration and maintained reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If manual operators are required, then flexibility in handling unexpected conditions is maintained, but labor costs increase and quality control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator judgment and control with automated sensor arrays and processor-based decision-making systems. These systems use predetermined routines and real-time sensor data to achieve precise excavation with consistent quality, managing the inherent complexity through integrated control architecture and standardized operational procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The excavation vehicle performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment through its sensor and control systems, maintaining precision by automatically detecting position, terrain conditions, and tool status. The system manages its own operational parameters and quality metrics without external intervention, resolving the precision-complexity contradiction through autonomous self-management
4Ease of operation
If skilled operators are recruited to meet demand, then operational quality improves, but labor supply constraints and training costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous excavation vehicle performs self-navigation, self-positioning, and self-operation using integrated sensors and processors. This self-service capability eliminates the need for skilled operators while managing system complexity through automated routines and embedded intelligence, thereby improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes human operator skills and judgment with automated control systems that execute predetermined routines and respond to sensor input. This substitution simplifies operation by removing the need for trained personnel while the complexity of the autonomous system is managed through standardized algorithms and control architecture
Data Source
AI summary
This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation vehicle that is capable of navigating through a dig site and carrying out an excavation routine using a system of sensors physically mounted to the excavation vehicle. The sensors collect any one or more of spatial, imaging, measurement, and location data representing the status of the excavation vehicle and its surrounding environment. Based on the collected data, the excavation vehicle executes instructions to carry out an excavation routine. The excavation vehicle is also able to carry out numerous other tasks, such as checking the volume of excavated earth in an excavation tool and helping prepare a digital terrain model of the site as part of a process for creating the excavation routine.