Work Machine Controller Detecting Ineffective Excavation Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wheel loaders experience inefficiencies during excavation operations due to prolonged ineffective operations, which negatively impact overall fuel efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A work machine system equipped with a controller that identifies and outputs the duration of ineffective operations, allowing for real-time monitoring and reduction of such operations through sensors and feedback mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the work machine operates for a longer duration to complete excavation work, then the work can be completed, but fuel efficiency deteriorates due to prolonged operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcavation work completionVSAvoidfuel efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The controller continuously monitors operation command values from the operation apparatus and compares them against predetermined thresholds to detect ineffective operations. When ineffective operation is detected, the system provides feedback by outputting the time period duration, enabling real-time identification and correction of fuel-wasting operations without compromising work completion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The work machine system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting ineffective operations through its own sensors and control systems. The controller monitors the relationship between operation commands and actual work output, identifying when the work implement is not performing its function despite operator input, and quantifies the time wasted without requiring external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the work implement is operated continuously to maintain productivity, then work completion is ensured, but ineffective operations increase leading to longer time periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework completion rateVSAvoidineffective operation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system establishes a feedback loop where the controller continuously monitors operation command values and compares them against predetermined thresholds. When the work implement fails to work despite operation commands (ineffective operation), the system detects this discrepancy and outputs the time period, enabling immediate identification and correction of time-wasting operations while maintaining overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual monitoring of work effectiveness with an automated control system that uses sensors and electronic comparison to detect ineffective operations. The controller substitutes human judgment with objective electronic measurement of operation command values versus actual work output, providing precise timing data for ineffective operations.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3719224B1Work machine and system including work machine
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 KOMATSU LTD
  • EP3719224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3719224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3719224B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A time period for which an ineffective operation is performed during an excavation work is reduced. A work machine includes a vehicular body, a running wheel rotatably attached to the vehicular body, a work implement operable with respect to the vehicular body, an operation apparatus for operating the running wheel and the work implement, and a controller that controls an operation by the work machine. The controller determines that an ineffective operation in which the work implement does not work is being performed during the excavation work based on an operation command value output from the operation apparatus and outputs a time period for which the ineffective operation is being performed.