Shovel Projection Device Ground Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of excavation work is hindered by operators needing to temporarily look away from the bucket to check monitor displays, disrupting their operation and preventing nearby workers from accessing construction machine information.
Innovation Solution
A shovel equipped with a projection device that visualizes the relationship between the current ground surface and a target surface on the ground, allowing operators to maintain focus on their work while receiving critical depth information without needing to view a separate display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a monitor is provided inside the cabin to display excavation information, then the operator can check depth information, but the operator must temporarily look away from the bucket edge, interrupting the excavation work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects information onto the ground surface in front of the shovel, moving the display from a two-dimensional cabin monitor to a three-dimensional projection on the ground. This allows the operator to view depth information at the bucket edge without looking away from the work area, eliminating the need to switch between monitor and bucket visual inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection device acts as an intermediary between the information system and the operator. Instead of requiring the operator to directly view a monitor inside the cabin, the projection device mediates by displaying information on the ground surface, which serves as a visual reference point in the operator's field of view during excavation.
2Loss of information
If a monitor is provided inside the cabin, then excavation information can be displayed, but workers in the vicinity cannot check construction machine information
Solution Approach 1:
By projecting information onto the ground surface in front of the shovel, the system makes construction information visible to multiple users in the vicinity. Workers standing near the shovel can view the projected information on the ground, eliminating the need for them to access information through the cabin monitor.
3Productivity
If the operator focuses on the bucket edge for excavation, then work continuity is maintained, but the operator cannot monitor depth information simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The projection device displays depth information on the ground surface in front of the shovel, placing the information in the operator's field of view. This allows the operator to simultaneously monitor both the bucket edge and depth information without switching attention, as the projection appears in the same visual space where the operator is already focused.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances work efficiency by allowing operators to maintain focus on the excavation process while receiving vital depth information directly on the ground surface, reducing eye strain and enabling nearby workers to access construction information.
Implementation Method 1
a projection device configured to project light onto a ground surface
Data Source
AI summary
A shovel includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body turnably mounted on the lower traveling body, and a controller configured to control a projection device that projects light onto a ground surface. The controller is attached to the upper turning body, and is configured to control the projection device so as to enable visualization of the relationship between the current shape of the ground surface and the shape of a target surface.