Work Tool Guidance Using Dynamic Focus Points for Excavators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines lack effective guidance functions for various work tools, particularly those in construction, mining, and other industries, which are not adequately assisted by existing technologies to manage collision avoidance and provide comprehensive operator guidance.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a work tool and processing circuitry that determines the tool's type, sets a focus point, measures its posture, and provides guidance functions based on this information, including Machine Guidance and E-Fence functions to assist operators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a work machine uses a single fixed guidance system, then the guidance function is simple to implement, but it cannot adapt to different types of work tools (buckets, hammers, compactors)
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system dynamically adapts its focus point selection based on the detected work tool type. The system transitions from a static single-focus-point approach to a dynamic multi-focus-point approach, where the active focus point changes according to the attached tool (bucket, hammer, compactor), enabling versatility without requiring multiple complete guidance systems
Solution Approach 2:
A single guidance system is designed to serve multiple work tool types by incorporating multiple candidate focus points that can be selectively activated. The system universally handles buckets, hammers, compactors, and other tools through one integrated guidance mechanism that adapts its parameters based on tool type detection
2Measurement precision
If the guidance system uses multiple candidate focus points for different work tools, then it can provide accurate guidance for each tool type, but it increases the complexity of system configuration and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system automatically detects the work tool type attached to the excavator and autonomously selects the appropriate focus point from the available candidates. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual configuration by the operator, maintaining ease of operation while achieving precise posture measurement tailored to the specific tool type
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through work tool type detection (via sensors or operator input) that triggers automatic focus point selection. This closed-loop approach ensures the correct focus point is activated based on the actual tool being used, maintaining measurement precision without burdening the operator with manual setup
3Extent of automation
If the guidance system automatically detects work tool type, then it reduces operator input requirements, but it increases the complexity of detection and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses an intermediary detection mechanism (such as sensors on the coupling arrangement or RFID tags on tools) that bridges the gap between the physical work tool and the guidance control system. This intermediary enables automatic tool type detection without requiring complex direct analysis of the tool geometry or manual operator input
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine can comprise a work tool attached to an end of a boom of the work machine, and processing circuitry. The processing circuitry can be configured to determine a type of the work tool; set a focus point of the work tool based on the type of the work tool; measure a posture of the work tool based on the focus point; and provide a guidance function to an operator of the work machine in accordance with the measured posture of the work tool based on the focus point.