Shovel Cab Display Dynamic Position Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shovel operators face challenges in efficiently and accurately performing work due to limited display size on the display device, which restricts their ability to obtain desired information quickly, and the need to constantly monitor the excavation site rather than the display.
Innovation Solution
A shovel design that includes a display device in the cab, which displays a work guidance image showing the attitude of the working part and the work target surface, with a position indicator image that enlarges when the attachment is in operation, allowing easier visualization of the positional relationship between the working part and the target surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display device size is reduced to avoid hindering operator vision, then the display device does not obstruct the operator's view, but the operator cannot obtain desired information without gazing at the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects work information from a two-dimensional display screen onto a three-dimensional space - specifically onto the windshield or visor in the operator's direct line of sight. This allows information to be displayed without requiring the operator to shift gaze to a separate screen, resolving the contradiction between unobstructed vision and information accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary projection surface (windshield or visor) that acts as a mediator between the display device and the operator's field of view. This intermediary allows work information to be superimposed on the operator's direct vision path, eliminating the need to look at a separate display screen while still providing comprehensive work information.
2Ease of operation
If the display screen size is reduced, then the display device does not obstruct the operator's view, but the operator cannot check desired information within the extremely short time available during operations
Solution Approach 1:
By projecting information onto the windshield or visor in the operator's direct field of view, the system eliminates the time loss associated with shifting gaze between the excavation site and a separate display screen. The information becomes immediately accessible within the operator's existing visual attention span.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares and displays work information in advance on the projection surface before the operator needs to make decisions. By having information pre-positioned in the field of view, the operator can quickly access critical data without time-consuming visual searches or screen transitions during operational moments.
3Loss of information
If the position indicator image is enlarged during operation, then the positional relationship between working part and target surface is more easily visualized, but the display device may become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scaling of the position indicator image based on operational state. During active operation, the position indicator is enlarged to enhance visibility of the positional relationship between the working part and target surface. When not in operation, the display reverts to its normal size, avoiding permanent complexity while providing enhanced information when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the display parameter (image size) of the position indicator dynamically based on the operational state of the attachment. This parameter change allows the display to adapt to different operational requirements without requiring a permanently complex display structure, resolving the contradiction between information visibility and device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A shovel includes a traveling undercarriage configured to travel, an upper rotating structure swingably mounted on the traveling undercarriage, a cab mounted on the upper rotating structure, an attachment including a working part configured to perform work, and a display device provided in the cab, wherein the display device is configured to display an image including a work guidance display part, the work guidance display part showing an attitude of the working part and a work target surface, and is configured to cause a content displayed in the work guidance display part to differ between when the attachment is in operation and when the attachment is not in operation.