Swing Boom Auto-Alignment During Excavator Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern mobile machinery, such as excavators, face challenges in achieving precise alignment and efficient operation due to the need for manual intervention and potential human error during excavation tasks, which affects productivity and safety.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for controlling the boom and platform of an excavator to automatically align a guidance point with a predefined line while performing retraction operations, utilizing semi-rigid connections and sensor data to compute and adjust horizontal angles for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual alignment and repositioning is used during excavation tasks, then the operator has full control over machine movements, but precision and efficiency are reduced due to human error and slower operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-alignment by automatically computing and executing the sequence of movements (boom rotation, platform rotation, undercarriage movement) required to keep the implement on the guidance line during retraction, without requiring continuous manual intervention for alignment adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the implement position relative to the guidance line and dynamically adjusts boom and platform angles during movement to maintain alignment, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing conditions in real-time
2Manufacturing precision
If the implement is moved closer to the platform during excavation, then the excavation depth and precision are improved, but the machine requires repositioning which interrupts workflow and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous alignment of the implement with the guidance line throughout the entire retraction process by coordinating boom rotation with platform rotation, eliminating the need to stop and readjust alignment after repositioning, thus maintaining uninterrupted workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-computes the required boom and platform angle adjustments based on the current extension distance and guidance line geometry, enabling proactive alignment maintenance before misalignment occurs during retraction
3Productivity
If automatic control systems are implemented to improve precision and efficiency, then productivity and accuracy are enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified algorithm that simultaneously handles boom control, platform control, and alignment calculations based on a single guidance line definition, reducing the need for separate control systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with automated computational geometry algorithms that calculate the required movements based on sensor data and guidance line parameters, substituting complex manual coordination with streamlined digital computation
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and other techniques for performing an alignment operation concurrently with a retraction operation at a construction machine. A guidance line is set for guiding an implement of the construction machine. An input signal is received via a user input device for moving the construction machine to reduce an extension distance between the implement and the machine's platform. A first control signal is generated to cause a movement of the construction machine to reduce the extension distance. During the movement of the construction machine, a second control signal is generated to cause the machine's boom to horizontally rotate with respect to the platform such that the implement moves along and remains aligned with the guidance line.