Shovel Cab Display for Pre-Operation Custom Setting Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of shovels face complexity in understanding the operability adjustments before operation, requiring cumbersome screen navigation.

Innovation Solution

A display device integrated with a processor to provide customizable settings and information display within the operator's cab, simplifying the understanding of shovel operability adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the shovel provides customizable operability settings, then the adaptability to operator preferences is improved, but the complexity of understanding and configuring these settings increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizable operabilityVSAvoidsetting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting operator identity (via IC card or biometric authentication) and pre-configuring all operability settings before the operator starts work. This eliminates the need for operators to manually navigate through complex setting screens, as all customizations are already applied based on pre-stored operator profiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shovel system serves itself by automatically managing operator-specific settings without requiring manual intervention. The control unit autonomously retrieves stored setting data, applies appropriate operability parameters, and switches between different operator profiles, freeing operators from the burden of configuring complex settings themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shovel stores multiple operator profiles with custom settings, then the versatility for different operators is improved, but the information management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-operator supportVSAvoidsetting management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The storage unit serves multiple functions by consolidating diverse operator information (personal data, operability settings, work history) into a single database structure. This universal storage system handles different data types uniformly, eliminating the need for separate management systems for each operator profile and reducing overall information management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where operator authentication triggers automatic retrieval of stored profiles, and the control unit continuously monitors and applies appropriate settings. This closed-loop information flow ensures that the correct settings are automatically restored when operators return, preventing information loss and reducing management burden.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12553217B2Shovel and display device for shovel
Publication Date: 2026.02.17 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY
  • US12553217B2 patent drawing
  • US12553217B2 patent drawing
  • US12553217B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A shovel includes a lower traveling body; an upper swinging body swingably mounted on the lower traveling body; an operator's cab mounted on the upper swinging body; a display device provided in the operator's cab; and a processor configured to cause the display device to display information about custom setting before a start of operation of the shovel.