Adaptive Blade Calibration for Self-Propelled Work Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Calibrating a grade control system on self-propelled work vehicles like dozers and compact track loaders is difficult due to the lack of external references and is affected by factors such as grouser wear, blade edge wear, and changing ground conditions, requiring frequent manual adjustments for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A novel system and method with a secondary calibration routine that uses sensors to adjust the blade position relative to the chassis, allowing for automatic or manual initiation based on predetermined conditions, ensuring consistent performance by altering stored calibration values based on detected differences between the blade and chassis slopes and the target slope.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual calibration adjustments are made frequently to account for changing conditions, then grading performance is maintained, but operator time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs calibration adjustments without operator intervention. The control system monitors blade position, chassis slope, and ground conditions, then autonomously modifies calibration values to maintain optimal grading performance, eliminating the need for manual recalibration
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors grading performance through sensors detecting blade position and chassis slope, compares actual performance against target parameters, and automatically adjusts calibration values based on detected deviations, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains reliability without operator input
2Reliability
If manual calibration adjustments are made frequently to account for changing conditions, then grading performance is maintained, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system operates autonomously, with the control system automatically detecting changing conditions such as grouser wear and ground slope variations, then adjusting calibration parameters without requiring operator knowledge or manual intervention, significantly improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical calibration procedures with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors and processors to detect conditions and adjust calibration values, eliminating the need for operators to physically adjust calibration components
3Ease of operation
If a simple primary calibration routine is used, then ease of operation improves, but manufacturing precision decreases due to calibration errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a simple initial calibration to establish baseline parameters, then automatically applies continuous compensatory adjustments based on real-time sensor data detecting blade position and chassis slope, achieving high precision through preliminary action followed by automated refinement
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the simple calibration routine and the actual grading operation, automatically detecting deviations caused by calibration limitations and applying corrective adjustments to maintain manufacturing precision
4Manufacturing precision
If external references like GPS or laser are added to correct calibration errors, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions using existing sensors: it monitors both blade position for grading control and chassis slope for calibration compensation, eliminating the need for separate external reference systems like GPS or laser while maintaining high grade accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the chassis slope sensor readings as a reference copy of the ground profile, comparing this copied reference against target grade parameters to detect calibration errors and automatically adjust calibration values, achieving high precision without external hardware
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for adaptive calibration of a self-propelled work vehicle comprising a chassis and a blade front-mounted thereto for working a ground surface. First sensor signals correspond to a blade slope, and second sensor signals correspond to a chassis slope. During a first operating mode, a blade position is controlled relative to the chassis, based at least on a stored calibration value and a detected difference between the blade slope and a target slope of the ground surface, and a difference is also determined between the chassis slope and the target slope of the ground surface. During a second operating mode, the position of the blade is controlled relative to the chassis until the chassis slope corresponds to the target slope of the ground surface, and the stored calibration value is altered based on adjustments to the blade position during the second operating mode.