Construction Machine Tool Placement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for safely placing construction machine tools on the ground, such as excavators and wheel loaders, often struggle with inexperienced operators due to obstructed views and the difficulty of minimizing impact force, especially when the tool's orientation and ground level are unclear.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing inertial measuring units, angle sensors, and linear sensors to determine the kinematic chain and orientation relative to earth gravity, allowing for precise control of the tool's placement by aligning its underside with the ground-contacting parts of the machine, ensuring a safe and controlled setting down process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control is used for tool placement, then the operator has direct control over the tool, but the operator cannot safely determine tool orientation and ground level due to obstructed views
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of sensors (cameras, LIDAR, IMU) and a control unit that mediates between the operator's intent and the actual tool placement. This intermediary automatically determines tool orientation and ground level, removing the need for the operator to visually assess these parameters directly, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously provides feedback to the operator through the display device, showing the determined tool orientation and ground level. This feedback loop allows the operator to verify the automatic measurements and make informed decisions, combining the precision of automatic sensing with the operator's judgment while maintaining ease of operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inexperienced operators control the tool, then more operators can perform the task, but safety and precision of tool placement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables inexperienced operators to perform tool placement safely by allowing the automated system to determine and control critical parameters such as tool orientation and ground level. The operator simply needs to activate the function, and the system handles the complex measurement and control tasks, making the task self-regulating and safe regardless of operator experience level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual assessment process with an electronic sensing and control system. Instead of relying on the operator's visual inspection and manual control skills, the system uses sensors and algorithms to automatically determine tool orientation and ground level, substituting human skill requirements with automated technology to ensure consistent safety and precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If impact force is not minimized, then the tool placement process is simpler, but the tool may tip over or slide off the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically determining the optimal tool orientation and ground level before the actual tool placement occurs. The control unit calculates the precise positioning parameters in advance, allowing the tool to be placed gently and accurately without excessive impact force, thereby preventing the tool from tipping over or sliding while maintaining straightforward control.
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
This method enhances safety and operational ease by automating the tool placement, allowing inexperienced operators to safely set down tools with reduced impact force and improved precision, even in obstructed views, and can be implemented without structural changes to existing electronic control units.
Implementation Method 1
the orientation of at least one part of the construction machine that touches the ground, which characterizes the orientation of the construction machine relative to the ground, is determined relative to earth gravity
Implementation Method 2
the position and orientation of the links in the kinematic chain, including the tool, relative to the construction machine or to earth gravity are determined with the aid of one or more of the following sensors: inertial measuring unit, angle sensor, linear sensor
Data Source
Figure 1a)~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for putting down a tool (2) of a construction machine (1) on the ground (8). A position and an orientation of the tool (2) relative to the construction machine (1) or to a direction the earth's gravity are determined by means of one or more of the following sensors: inertial measuring unit, angle sensor, linear sensor, by an algorithm for determining a kinematic chain of the construction machine (1). Moreover, an orientation of at least one part (7) of the construction machine (1) which part touches the ground (8), which orientation characterises the orientation of the construction machine (1) relative to the ground (8), is determined relative to the earth's gravity. On the basis of this determination, the movement of the tool (2) is controlled, in order to bring a lower face of the tool (2) to the same level and in the same orientation as the at least one part (7) touching the ground (8), for putting down the tool (2).