Work Machine Device Selection for Machine Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines equipped with multiple work devices, such as hydraulic excavators, face inefficiencies due to the need to select the appropriate work device for specific tasks, as existing Machine Guidance (MG) and Machine Control (MC) systems may inadvertently operate unintended devices unless the correct device is chosen.
Innovation Solution
A work machine is equipped with a position sensor, posture sensors for each device, and a controller that calculates device positions, allowing for the selection and display of the appropriate work device on a display screen, enabling MG and/or MC to be executed on the suited device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If MG and/or MC are executed over multiple work devices simultaneously, then comprehensive work coverage is improved, but work efficiency deteriorates due to unintended device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control system by creating separate control paths for different work devices (front work device and blade work device). The controller selectively activates MG and/or MC functions based on which specific work device is being operated, ensuring that control functions are divided and applied only to the relevant device rather than all devices simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic selection of work devices for MG and/or MC execution. The system automatically determines which work device should receive control functions based on real-time operating conditions, operator input, or detection of work device usage status. This dynamic allocation ensures that MG and/or MC are applied to the intended device at the appropriate time, preventing unintended operation while maintaining adaptability across multiple devices.
2Device complexity
If MG and/or MC are automatically applied to all work devices, then system simplicity is improved, but operational precision deteriorates due to unintended device control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the operational state of multiple work devices and automatically determine which device should receive MG and/or MC functions. The controller receives input signals from various sources (operator selection, work device status detection, or other sensing means) and uses this feedback to selectively activate control functions only for the appropriate work device, thereby maintaining precision without requiring complex manual configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A work machine includes: a satellite communication antenna (25) for detecting a position of an upper swing structure (12); angle sensors (30 to 33, 103, 104) detecting postures of two work devices (1A, 1C); position computing devices (81a, 81b) that calculate postures/positions of the two work devices (1A, 1C) on the basis of outputs from the satellite communication antenna and the angle sensors; a display device (53) on which the position of at least one work device out of the two work devices (1A, 1C) and a position of a target surface 60 are displayed; a display selection switch (96) that outputs a first input signal for displaying a work device selected by an operator from between the two work devices 1A and 1C on the display device (53); and a display changeover section (81c) that displays the work device corresponding to the first input signal input from the display selection switch (96) out of the two work devices (1A, 1C) and the position of the target work object of the work device on the display device.