Work Machine Replenishment Positioning for Continuous Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The inefficiency in working machine operations due to the need for frequent battery replenishment, which disrupts the continuous operation of agricultural or construction machines powered by electric motors.
Innovation Solution
A working machine system that includes a traveling vehicle, a storing device for energy, a working device, a route creation unit for scheduling travel routes, an area setting unit for designating a replenishment area outside the work area, and a position setting unit for determining specific replenishment positions for both material and energy within this area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the working machine uses a battery as an energy source, then emission control and electrification are achieved, but the machine stops when the battery is depleted, deteriorating working efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the work area into multiple work areas and sets multiple replenishment positions (first replenishment position for material and second replenishment position for energy source) in different locations. This allows the machine to replenish materials and energy sources at different positions rather than stopping at a single location, thereby maintaining continuous operation and improving working efficiency while using an electric battery-powered system.
2Reliability
If the machine stops to replenish the battery, then the energy source can be replaced, but overall working efficiency deteriorates due to interruption of work
Solution Approach 1:
The patent sets the second replenishment position in advance in a location where the battery can be replaced, and the route creation unit creates a turning route that passes through this position. The automated driving control unit automatically navigates the machine to this pre-planned position when battery replacement is needed, allowing seamless energy source replacement without interrupting the overall work flow and maintaining high working efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine is equipped with automated driving control functionality that autonomously navigates the machine to the second replenishment position for battery replacement and returns it to the work area. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention during energy source replenishment, reducing downtime and maintaining continuous operation.
3Duration of action of moving object
If material replenishment is performed frequently, then the working device can continue operation, but time is lost due to repeated stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines material replenishment and energy source replenishment operations by setting both the first replenishment position (for material) and the second replenishment position (for energy source) within the same replenishment area. The route creation unit creates turning routes that pass through these positions, allowing the machine to perform both types of replenishment during the same travel sequence, thereby reducing the number of separate stops and minimizing total downtime.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a working machine capable of suppressing deterioration of working efficiency. A working machine 100 includes: a tractor 1; a battery 6 that stores an energy source for driving the tractor 1; a working device 2 provided in the tractor 1 and that performs work by using a material; a route creation unit 51B that creates a scheduled travel route of the tractor 1 in a work area A2 where the working device 2 performs the work by using the material; an area setting unit 51D that sets a replenishment area A5 in which replenishment with the material and replenishment with the energy source are performed outside the work area A2; and a position setting unit 51C that sets a first replenishment position PH1, which is a position for the replenishment with the material, and a second replenishment position PH2, which is a position for the replenishment with the energy source, in the replenishment area A5 set by the area setting unit 51D. With this configuration, the working machine 100 can reach the first replenishment position PH1 and the second replenishment position PH2 before the material and the battery 6 are used up. Therefore, the material replenishment and the replacement of the battery can be performed at the first replenishment position PH1 and the second replenishment position PH2.