Lift Arm and Coupler Control System

Abstract

A control system for a loader having a frame, a lift arm assembly, a coupler, and an operator interface is provided. The control system may include a lift arm position sensor coupled to the lift arm assembly and configured to measure a lift arm position, an inclinometer disposed on the coupler configured to measure a coupler angle, and a controller in electrical communication with each of the lift arm position sensor, the inclinometer and the operator interface. The controller may be configured to receive a baseline command from the operator interface for operating one or more of the lift arm assembly and the coupler, monitor the lift arm position and the coupler angle, and generate at least one command for operating one or more of the lift arm assembly and the coupler based on one or more of the baseline command, the lift arm position and the coupler angle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001]The present disclosure relates generally to lift arm assemblies, and more particularly, to systems and machines for controlling lift arm assemblies.BACKGROUND[0002]Certain machines may be fitted with different implements to be used in industries related to materials handling, construction, and the like. These machines typically include one or more lift arms for moving an implement attached thereto from a starting position to a desired ending position in order to perform a desired task. Such a machine is often used to transport materials, such as by lifting a given load of material from a first site, carrying the load to a second site, and dumping the material at the second site. The machine may often repeat the process by returning to the first site, lowering the implement to the starting position, lifting another load of the material, and so forth.[0003]Different features have been incorporated into such machines to facilitate operator control and reduce wear. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a control system for a loader that includes a frame, a lift arm assembly, a coupler, and an operator interface. The system includes a lift arm position sensor and an inclinometer to measure the position and angle of the lift arm and the coupler. A controller receives a baseline command from the operator and monitors the position and angle of the lift arm and coupler. The controller generates at least one command to operate the lift arm assembly and the coupler based on the baseline command, the position, and the angle of the lift arm and coupler. This system allows for efficient and accurate operation of the loader.

Problems solved by technology

However, control algorithms typically used in these configurations often rely on relatively fragmented sensor data to operate the machine, and may have limited adaptability to changes in the operator input or changes in a given payload.

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