Work Machine Control Device Excavation Curve Ratio Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Excavation efficiency in work machines is dependent on operator skill, and as excavation depth increases, resistance grows, slowing equipment speed, while longer excavation lengths lead to increased time, creating a trade-off between depth and length, affecting efficiency regardless of operator skill.

Innovation Solution

A control device for work machines generates a target trajectory based on an excavation curve ratio (depth to length ratio) to optimize excavation efficiency, outputting operation signals for the work equipment to maintain efficient excavation processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If excavation depth is increased, then excavation capability is improved, but resistance increases and excavation speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcavation capabilityVSAvoidexcavation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the excavation curve ratio (depth-to-length ratio) based on real-time detection of excavation progress. The control device modifies trajectory parameters including depth, length, and curvature radius to optimize the balance between excavation capability and speed, preventing excessive resistance while maintaining efficient earth removal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If excavation length is increased, then excavation coverage is improved, but movement distance increases and excavation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcavation coverageVSAvoidexcavation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes excavation time by dynamically adjusting trajectory parameters including length and curvature radius. The control device calculates optimal path lengths based on detected excavation progress and generates trajectories that minimize unnecessary movement distance while ensuring complete coverage of the excavation area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If excavation depth is decreased, then excavation time is reduced, but excavation length must increase to maintain efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcavation timeVSAvoidexcavation length
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this trade-off by dynamically adjusting the excavation curve ratio to maintain an optimal balance between depth and length. The control device continuously monitors excavation progress and modifies trajectory parameters to ensure that the combination of depth and length achieves maximum excavation efficiency while minimizing total operation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Extent of automation

If automatic control follows operator trajectory, then automation is achieved, but excavation efficiency varies with operator skill level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic controlVSAvoidexcavation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically detecting excavation progress and autonomously generating optimized trajectories without requiring operator intervention. The control device independently monitors excavation depth and position, calculates optimal trajectories based on detected progress, and executes the excavation process, eliminating dependency on operator skill level while maintaining high excavation efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11946219B2Work machine, control device, and control method
Publication Date: 2024.04.02 KOMATSU LTD
  • US11946219B2 patent drawing
  • US11946219B2 patent drawing
  • US11946219B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A work machine includes work equipment. A control device of the work machine includes a trajectory generation unit, and an operation signal output unit. The trajectory generation unit generates a target trajectory of the work equipment according to an excavation curve ratio determined in advance. The excavation curve ratio is expressed as a ratio of an excavation depth to an excavation length. The operation signal output unit outputs an operation signal for the work equipment according to the target trajectory.