Work Machine Operation Status Feedback for Remote and Cabin Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In work machines where both on-board and remote operators can activate the machine, unexpected activations can occur, leading to misunderstandings and panic due to unclear operation statuses.

Innovation Solution

A remote operation support system that enables operators to recognize the operation status of the work machine, allowing for synchronized operation and communication between on-board and remote operators through real-time image sharing and control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both on-board operator and remote operator can activate the work machine, then operational flexibility and remote operation capability are improved, but unexpected activations and operator confusion occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidoperation status clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The notification device provides real-time feedback to the on-board operator about the operation status of the work machine. When the operation status changes (e.g., from on-board operation to remote operation), the notification device immediately notifies the on-board operator, ensuring they are aware of the current operational state and preventing confusion or panic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If operation status is not communicated between operators, then system complexity is reduced, but misunderstandings and panic states occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication system complexityVSAvoidoperator panic and misunderstanding
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system is segmented into distinct components: the operation status detection mechanism and the notification device. This segmentation allows for a simple, modular addition to the existing work machine control system that provides essential communication functionality without creating complex inter-connected communication networks between operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4400659B1Work machine and remote operation support device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND LTD
  • EP4400659B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4400659B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4400659B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A technique for enabling one of the operators to recognize an operation status of a work machine performed by the other operator when an operation by an operator on board the work machine and a remote operation by an operator outside the work machine are both possible. A shovel 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to notify an operator OP1 in a cabin 10 that the shovel 100 is being remotely operated when a hydraulic actuator HA is being activated according to an input of remote operation. Further, a remote operation support device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to notify an operator OP2 who performs an input of remote operation that the shovel 100 is being operated according to an input to an operation device 26 when the hydraulic actuator HA is being operated according to the input to the operation device 26 of the cabin 10.