Excavation Tool Fill-Level Sensing for Autonomous Digging Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current excavation methods rely heavily on manual operators, leading to high costs, limited operational hours due to day-time constraints, and increased risk of human error, as well as inefficiencies in labor supply and quality control.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation system equipped with sensors that navigate and control excavation vehicles to execute excavation routines, generating digital terrain models and target tool paths for precise earth removal, reducing manual labor needs and enhancing project efficiency and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operators are used to operate excavation vehicles, then human control and flexibility are maintained, but operational costs increase and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The excavation vehicle is equipped with sensors, processors, and control systems that enable it to autonomously perform excavation tasks without continuous human intervention. The system self-manages navigation, tool operation, and earth removal processes, transforming the vehicle into a self-servicing autonomous unit that improves productivity while managing complexity through integrated control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect terrain and vehicle position, processes this information through a computer, and actuates vehicle controls automatically. This substitution of mechanical human operation with an automated electromechanical system resolves the contradiction by enabling continuous operation without human fatigue while maintaining precise control.
2Duration of action of moving object
If manual operators work during daytime only, then safety and operational control are maintained, but operational duration is limited and project timeline extends
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous excavation system enables continuous operation across day and night by eliminating the need for human operators to rest or adhere to daylight constraints. The vehicle can perform excavation tasks continuously as long as power and operational conditions are maintained, significantly extending operational duration while automated systems ensure consistent reliability through programmed control logic and sensor monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains reliability during extended operations through continuous feedback loops where sensors monitor vehicle position, terrain conditions, and tool status, and the computer adjusts control commands accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures reliable operation regardless of time of day, with the system automatically detecting and responding to changing conditions to maintain operational integrity.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual operators are deployed, then adaptability to site conditions is maintained, but labor costs increase and quality control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual assessment and control with an automated system using sensors (such as LIDAR, cameras, or GPS) to detect terrain features and vehicle position, a computer to process this spatial data and calculate precise excavation parameters, and automated controls to execute tool movements with high precision. This substitution enables manufacturing-level precision in earth removal while managing complexity through integrated sensor-computer-control architecture.
4Productivity
If autonomous systems are implemented, then productivity and precision are improved, but system complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system is designed to perform multiple functions: navigating the vehicle to target locations, controlling excavation tool movements, monitoring terrain conditions, and adjusting operations based on real-time sensor data. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single integrated computer control system, the patent manages complexity while achieving high productivity through coordinated automation of all excavation-related tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
This description provides an autonomous or semi-autonomous excavation vehicle that is capable of navigating through a dig site and carrying out an excavation routine using a system of sensors physically mounted to the excavation vehicle. The sensors collects any one or more of spatial, imaging, measurement, and location data representing the status of the excavation vehicle and its surrounding environment. Based on the collected data, the excavation vehicle executes instructions to carry out an excavation routine. The excavation vehicle is also able to carry out numerous other tasks, such as checking the volume of excavated earth in an excavation tool, and helping prepare a digital terrain model of the site as part of a process for creating the excavation routine.