Autonomous Shovel Backfilling Control via Sensor Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic excavators with semi-autonomous excavation control systems face inefficiencies in backfilling operations due to limitations in precision and automation, particularly in recognizing and adapting to the position and shape of holes and sediment piles.

Innovation Solution

A shovel equipped with a control device featuring a processor and memory that executes a program to recognize positions for backfilling, generate target positions, and autonomously control the excavation attachment to enhance backfilling efficiency through advanced sensors and autonomous control functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If semi-autonomous excavation control systems are used, then automation is partially achieved, but precision and adaptability in backfilling operations remain insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation levelVSAvoidposition recognition precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an autonomous control system that uses sensors (laser radar, cameras, GPS) to detect the positions of holes and sediment piles, and a control device to automatically generate target positions and control the excavation attachment. This substitution enables both high automation and high precision by using optical and electronic systems instead of manual mechanical control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual operation is used, then operator control is maintained, but operator burden and inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator controlVSAvoidbackfilling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the excavation machine to perform backfilling operations autonomously without continuous human intervention. The control device automatically detects hole positions, generates target positions, controls the excavation attachment to move and dump sediment, and adjusts operations based on real-time sensor data. This self-service capability significantly improves productivity while reducing operator burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If traditional backfilling methods are used, then simple equipment is required, but precision and adaptability to varying hole shapes and positions are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to hole shape and position

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The autonomous control system serves multiple functions: detecting hole positions and shapes using laser radar and cameras, generating optimal target positions, controlling excavation attachment movement, monitoring sediment pile positions, and adjusting operations adaptively. This multi-functional system provides high adaptability to various hole configurations while integrating all capabilities into a unified control platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230417024A1shovel

Publication Date: 2023.12.28 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

A shovel may include a lower traveling body; an upper turning body turnably mounted on the lower traveling body; and a control device disposed in the upper turning body, wherein the control device includes a processor, and a memory storing a computer-readable program, which when executed, causes the processor to execute a process including recognizing a position subject to a backfilling operation, and generating a target position relating to the backfilling operation.