Work Machine External Sound Control for Quieter Operator Cab

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Solution Overview

Problem

When an object around a work machine emits noise, such as operating sounds, these sounds are output to the driving seat, potentially reducing the quietness around the operator.

Innovation Solution

A work machine is equipped with an external sound collecting device and a control device that limits the output of sound based on detection results of objects around the machine, improving quietness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If external sound is output to the driving seat, then the operator can recognize the situation around the work machine, but the quietness around the driving seat is reduced when objects emit operating sounds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator awareness of surrounding situationVSAvoidnoise pollution in driving environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different sound output strategies to different sound sources based on their location and type. Sounds from specific directions or types of objects (emitting operating sounds) are selectively suppressed, while other ambient sounds remain audible to the operator. This creates a spatially differentiated sound management approach that preserves useful information while eliminating harmful noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control device continuously monitors sounds collected by the external sound collecting device, identifies objects emitting operating sounds, and dynamically adjusts sound output based on this feedback. The system creates a closed-loop control where the detected sound environment informs the sound output decisions, allowing real-time adaptation to maintain both awareness and quietness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of information

If all external sounds are output to the driving seat, then complete situational awareness is achieved, but unnecessary operating sounds reduce the quietness of the driving environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of situational recognitionVSAvoiduseful quietness in driving room

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts and separates specific unwanted sound components (operating sounds from objects) from the overall external sound environment. By identifying and isolating these particular sound sources, the system can selectively suppress them while maintaining output of other useful ambient sounds, thus removing only the harmful elements rather than all external sounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device changes the output parameter (sound volume or presence) based on the type and source of the collected sound. When objects emitting operating sounds are detected, the system adjusts the output parameter for those specific sounds, reducing or eliminating them, while maintaining different output levels for other sound sources to preserve situational awareness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250283307A1Work machine and control system for work machine

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

AI summary

A work machine includes a lower traveling body; an upper turning body mounted on the lower traveling body so as to freely turn; a driving room provided in the upper turning body; an external sound collecting device arranged outside the driving room; an internal sound output device arranged inside the driving room; and a control device configured to limit output, from the internal sound output device, of sound collected by the external sound collecting device, according to a detection result of an object existing around the work machine.