Sensor Retrofit for Autonomous Excavation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excavation operations are costly and inefficient due to the reliance on manual operators, leading to increased project durations and risks of human error, as well as a shortage of skilled labor, limiting excavation to daytime hours and reducing the quality of work.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation system equipped with sensors that actuate the movement of excavation vehicles and tools, using a combination of sensors and a controller to perform excavation routines without manual intervention, enabling 24/7 operation and improving work quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operators are used to operate excavation vehicles, then the vehicles can be operated with simple control systems, but the operation costs increase and project durations extend due to labor shortages and daytime-only operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical control system with an autonomous sensor-based system. Sensors detect excavation targets and the controller automatically actuates the excavation tool, eliminating the need for manual operators and enabling continuous operation without time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The excavation vehicle performs excavation operations autonomously without human intervention. The sensor assembly independently detects targets and the controller automatically controls the excavation tool, allowing the system to serve itself and operate continuously without labor constraints.
2Reliability
If manual operators are required for excavation vehicles, then the system structure remains simple, but the risk of human error increases and work quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human-operated mechanical control with an autonomous sensor-controller system. The sensor assembly detects excavation targets and the controller automatically actuates the excavation tool, eliminating human error and improving excavation accuracy and reliability.
3Productivity
If autonomous sensor systems are implemented in excavation vehicles, then continuous operation and productivity improve, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly performs multiple functions including detecting excavation targets, determining their locations, and providing data to the controller. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, managing device complexity while enabling continuous autonomous operation for improved productivity.
4Ease of operation
If autonomous excavation systems are deployed, then labor shortages are addressed and operation costs decrease, but the ease of operation reduces due to automated control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The excavation vehicle operates autonomously with the sensor assembly detecting targets and the controller automatically actuating the excavation tool without manual intervention. This self-service capability addresses labor shortages and reduces operation costs, while the automated control system manages operational simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
An excavation vehicle capable of autonomously actuating an excavation tool or navigating an excavation vehicle to perform an excavation routine within an excavation site is described herein. Sensors mounted to the excavation vehicle and the excavation tool produce signals representative of a position and orientation of the corresponding joint relative on the excavation vehicle relative to the excavation site, a position and orientation of the excavation vehicle relative to the excavation site, and one or more features of the excavation site based on the position of the excavation vehicle within the excavation site. A set of solenoids are configured to couple to corresponding hydraulic valves of the excavation tool to actuate the valve. A controller produces actuating signals to control the joints of the excavation tool to autonomously perform the excavation routine based on the signals produced by the sensors.