ALL-IN-ONE INTEGRATED SENSING DEVICE FOR MACHINE CONTROL

摘要

An integrated sensing device with a suite of sensors assists construction machine operators in finding the correct level to dig a ditch/trench. The sensing device includes a gravity sensor to determine angles, a laser distance meter (LDM), and a laser receiver for detecting a known jobsite elevation. The sensing device is mounted to the dipper stick of an excavator; the gravity sensor detects the angle of the stick, and the laser receiver detects a laser plane of light that represents a known jobsite elevation. The LDM is aimed at another member of the machine that moves in a predetermined path as the bucket is rotated, to and the distance between the LDM and the target member is used to calculate the vertical elevation of the working tool edge. A display graphically shows the operator the proper dig depth and the present position of the working tool edge.

主权项

1. An integrated sensing device that is mounted to a construction machine which has a first member that exhibits movement through a pathway that is variable with respect to gravity, and has a second member that includes a working tool edge, wherein said second member has a known physical moving relationship to said first member through a predetermined range of motions, said integrated sensing device comprising:
(a) a laser receiver having at least one photosensor, said laser receiver detecting a position of incoming laser light that reaches said at least one photosensor; (b) an electronic angle sensor; (c) an electronic distance sensor, having an output that is directed at a predetermined target, and which determines a distance to said target without making physical contact with said target; and (d) a processing circuit and a memory circuit; (e) wherein:
(i) said integrated sensing device is mounted to said first member of the construction machine;(ii) said electronic distance sensor determines a distance between said output and said predetermined target;(iii) said predetermined target comprises a surface portion of said construction machine that moves at the same time as said second member moves with respect to said first member;(iv) said surface portion comprises one of:
(A) a surface area of said second member;(B) a reflector placed on said second member;(C) a surface area of a linkage member that is mechanically connected to at least one of said first member and said second member; and(D) a reflector placed on said linkage member that is mechanically connected to at least one of said first member and said second member; and(v) said first member exhibits a first shape having a known first geometry, said second member exhibits a second shape having a known second geometry; said first and second known geometries having a known relationship with one another while said first and second members are moved during operation; and (f) wherein: said processing circuit is configured to calculate a vertical distance between said incoming laser light and said working tool edge, based upon a state of said sensor outputs of said at least one photosensor, said electronic angle sensor, and said electronic distance sensor.