Work Machine Terrain Gradient Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machine monitoring systems are expensive, complex, and do not directly improve operational efficiency, as they require high computational resources and do not effectively adapt to terrain changes to optimize machine performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that uses a surveying device to measure the three-dimensional surface profile of a worksite, processing data to identify terrain gradients, and retrieving machine operational data to adjust the operation of work machines based on these gradients, enabling more efficient and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are used to monitor work machine operating conditions and performance, then performance characteristics can be determined, but the system becomes expensive and complex with high computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of terrain monitoring from complex sensor systems. Instead of using multiple sensors to monitor machine operating conditions, the invention uses a surveying device to capture terrain data and processes only the necessary gradient information, eliminating unnecessary sensing components and computational overhead while maintaining the core capability to determine when performance optimization is needed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary terrain assessment using a surveying device before work machine operation. By pre-measuring the surface profile and identifying gradient characteristics, the system prepares optimization parameters in advance rather than requiring continuous real-time monitoring during operation, reducing computational requirements and system complexity
2Productivity
If continuous monitoring and real-time adjustment systems are implemented, then operational efficiency can be improved, but the computational resources and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs terrain measurement and gradient analysis before work machine operation begins. By pre-processing the terrain data and identifying areas requiring performance optimization, the invention eliminates the need for continuous real-time computational analysis during operation, reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity benefits
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuously monitoring and adjusting machine performance across all operating conditions, the patent applies optimization only in specific terrain areas identified as requiring adjustment (e.g., areas with gradients exceeding thresholds). This localized approach reduces computational resource consumption while maintaining operational efficiency where it matters most
3Adaptability or versatility
If terrain-based performance optimization is implemented, then machine operation can be adapted to terrain characteristics, but additional equipment and system complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a surveying device that can measure various terrain characteristics (surface profile, gradients, elevation changes) with a single instrument. This multi-functional approach provides comprehensive terrain adaptation capability without requiring multiple specialized sensors or measurement devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a computer system as an intermediary that processes surveying device data and generates performance optimization parameters. This intermediary layer simplifies the connection between terrain measurement and machine control by handling the complex data processing and parameter generation, reducing the complexity burden on both the sensing and actuation sides of the system
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A surveying device (15) is operated to measure a surface profile of a terrain (13) of a worksite (14) and generate surface profile data. Machine operational data is stored and associated with at least one gradient characteristic. A processing unit (27) is operated to process the surface profile data to identify an area (19) of the terrain (13) and a gradient characteristic of the area and retrieve machine operational data associated with the gradient characteristic from the database and associate the machine operational data with the area. The work machine (11) is operated in the area based upon the machine operational data.