Work Machine Control Device Algorithm Selection for Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machine control systems lack the ability to accurately acquire parameters for different work targets, such as excavation and loading targets, which hinders efficient automation in work machine operations.

Innovation Solution

A work machine control device equipped with a measurement-data acquisition unit, an algorithm selection unit, and a calculation unit that processes measurement data using specific algorithms depending on the work target, allowing for precise calculation of distances and other parameters for excavation and loading operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single algorithm is used to process measurement data for all work targets, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and calculation accuracy for different work targets deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealgorithm complexityVSAvoidparameter calculation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the algorithm processing into multiple distinct algorithms (first algorithm for excavation targets, second algorithm for loading targets) based on the type of work target. This segmentation allows each algorithm to be optimized for its specific target type, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through structured organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic algorithm selection where the control device automatically switches between different algorithms based on the identified work target type. This dynamic adaptation ensures the most appropriate algorithm is used for each specific scenario, optimizing calculation accuracy without requiring manual intervention or increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If multiple specific algorithms are selected for different work targets, then the parameter calculation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparameter calculation accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the control device identifies the work target type and automatically selects the appropriate algorithm based on this identification. This feedback loop ensures that the correct algorithm is applied without requiring complex manual configuration, thereby improving calculation accuracy while keeping the system manageable through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both excavation and loading target processing using a unified system architecture. By integrating multiple algorithms within a single versatile control device that can automatically adapt to different target types, the patent achieves high calculation accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If automated work machine operations are implemented without accurate target parameters, then productivity is reduced, but the device complexity and cost of adding measurement and control systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework machine operation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the work machine to perform self-service automated operations by equipping it with measurement devices and control algorithms that automatically acquire target parameters and adjust operations accordingly. This self-service capability improves productivity by eliminating manual measurement and calculation steps while keeping the added system complexity manageable through integrated automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement and calculation processes with automated electronic measurement devices and computational algorithms. This substitution significantly improves operational efficiency and accuracy while the integrated control system manages the added complexity, demonstrating that the productivity gain outweighs the incremental system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3733981B1Control device of working machine and control method of working machine
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 KOMATSU LTD
  • EP3733981B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3733981B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3733981B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(C)

AI summary

A work machine control device includes a measurement-data acquisition unit that acquires measurement data of a measurement device that measures a work target, the measurement device being mounted on a work machine including a working equipment, an algorithm selection unit that selects a specific algorithm that processes the measurement data depending on work of the work machine, and a calculation unit that processes the measurement data based on the algorithm selected by the algorithm selection unit to calculate a parameter regarding the work target.