Articulated Machine Frame Contact Prevention via Torque Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Articulated machines often experience frame contact due to exceeding steering torque capability, leading to potential damage, which existing systems fail to adequately prevent or mitigate.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes sensor circuitry to detect impending frame contact and processing circuitry to determine the necessary torque reduction at the hitch, implementing torque reduction control to prevent contact by modulating the powertrain and steering system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the steering system torque capability is increased to prevent frame contact, then frame contact prevention is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary detection of impending frame contact conditions using sensors to monitor articulation angle and rate of change. Before actual frame contact occurs, the system calculates required torque reduction and proactively modulates powertrain torque, preventing the harmful contact from happening in the first place
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors articulation angle and rate of change through sensor circuitry, feeds this information to the control system which calculates actual and predicted torque at the hitch, and adjusts powertrain torque accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism dynamically prevents frame contact without requiring excessive steering torque capability
2Reliability
If frame stops are installed to limit articulation angle, then frame contact is prevented, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical frame stops with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect articulation conditions and electronically modulates powertrain torque to prevent frame contact. This substitution eliminates the need for additional mechanical components like frame stops, reducing structural complexity and weight while maintaining frame contact prevention capability
3Productivity
If rimpull is increased to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but frame contact risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts powertrain torque based on real-time articulation conditions. When articulation angle and rate of change indicate impending frame contact, the control system automatically reduces torque to safe levels. This dynamic torque modulation allows the machine to operate at high productivity levels during normal conditions while automatically preventing frame contact when limits are approached
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for limiting articulation between a front frame and a rear frame of an articulated machine are disclosed. The system and method receive steering signals and determine impending contact between the front frame and the rear frame based on the received steering signals. Additionally, an amount by which to reduce torque at a hitch coupled between the front and rear frames so as to limit an articulation characteristic of the front frame relative to the rear frame to a predetermined value is determined, responsive to determination of impending contact. Prior to contact, rimpull of the articulated machine is reduced based on the determined amount of torque.