Work Machine Terrain Measurement Without LiDAR Scanners
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines, such as excavators and dozers, face challenges in efficiently measuring terrain changes due to the impracticality and high cost of installing LiDAR scanners, which are typically used for topography scanning in transportation vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a point measuring assembly and a kinematic position sensing assembly, which includes sensors to measure distances and positions, respectively, to calculate simulated surfaces of the ground, enabling terrain measurement and productivity tracking without the need for LiDAR scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If LiDAR scanners are used to measure terrain changes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terrain measurement function is segmented into multiple discrete measurement points distributed across the work area. Instead of using a single complex LiDAR scanner to capture the entire terrain, the system divides the measurement task into multiple discrete distance measurements taken at different positions by the work machine's operating apparatus, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The work machine's operating apparatus is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs the primary work function (excavation, grading, etc.) and simultaneously serves as the measurement platform. The operating apparatus moves to different positions to collect terrain data, eliminating the need for dedicated LiDAR scanning hardware and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If LiDAR scanners are installed on work machines, then terrain measurement capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operating apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system that performs both the primary work function and terrain measurement. By utilizing the existing moving structure and positioning capabilities of the operating apparatus for dual purposes, the system eliminates the need for expensive dedicated LiDAR scanners, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining terrain measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of directly copying the LiDAR scanner approach from transportation vehicles, the system creates a simplified measurement model that uses discrete distance measurements at multiple points. This copied approach adapts the essential measurement principle without replicating the expensive hardware, reducing cost while preserving measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple distance measurements are taken at different positions, then terrain measurement accuracy is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is integrated into the continuous operation of the work machine. As the operating apparatus moves continuously to perform work functions, it simultaneously collects terrain data at multiple positions without interrupting the work flow. This continuous measurement approach maintains terrain measurement accuracy while minimizing additional measurement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-plans the measurement positions along the intended work path of the operating apparatus. By determining in advance which positions should be measured and integrating these into the normal operational sequence, the system collects terrain data at multiple positions without requiring separate measurement trips, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing time loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate terrain measurement and productivity tracking by calculating simulated surfaces before and after tool engagement, optimizing operations and increasing efficiency by identifying and addressing low productivity issues.
Implementation Method 1
The point measuring assembly is configured to measure distances, each of which is between the point measuring assembly and one of range finding points designated on the ground by the point measuring assembly
Implementation Method 2
The kinematic position sensing assembly is configured to measure positions of the operating apparatus and to transmit signals indicative of the positions of the operating apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine configured to operate on the ground comprises a body, an operating apparatus, a point measuring assembly, a kinematic position sensing assembly, and a controller. The operating apparatus is moveably coupled to the body and has a tool selectively engaging or passing over the ground. The point measuring assembly is coupled to the operating apparatus, is moved together with the operating apparatus and measure distances. The kinematic position sensing assembly is coupled to at least one of the operating apparatus and the body of the work machine, measures positions of the operating apparatus, and transmits signals indicative of the positions of the operating apparatus. The controller receives the signals indicative of the distances from the point measuring assembly and the signals indicative of the positions of the operating apparatus from the kinematic position sensing assembly to calculate at least one simulated surface.