Attachment Calibration Control System for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aftermarket attachments for work machines, such as loaders and excavators, lack methods for coupling with the original equipment manufacturer's control systems, limiting their functionality to manual operation and precision control due to unrecognized geometric parameters.
Innovation Solution
An attachment calibration control system that includes a boom actuator, attachment actuator, boom position sensor, and attachment position sensor, coupled with a machine control module to calculate and adjust geometric parameters, enabling automatic recognition and calibration of aftermarket attachments for automated features like 'return to level' and 'truck clearance' modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If aftermarket attachments are used with varying geometric parameters, then the versatility and adaptability of the work machine is improved, but the control precision and automated operation capability deteriorate because the control system cannot recognize the attachment parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes control parameters based on detected attachment geometric parameters. The control system receives sensor data about attachment dimensions and automatically adjusts control parameters to match the specific attachment configuration, enabling precise control despite varying attachment geometries
Solution Approach 2:
Position sensors provide continuous feedback about attachment position and boom position to the control system. This feedback loop allows the control system to monitor actual attachment behavior and make real-time adjustments to maintain control precision across different attachment configurations
2Ease of operation
If manual control is used for attachments without calibration, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the productivity and automated function capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by detecting attachment geometric parameters and pre-adjusting control parameters before automated operations begin. This preliminary setup enables subsequent automated functions to operate efficiently without requiring manual intervention during execution
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static manual control to dynamic automated control based on detected attachment parameters. The system can adapt its control mode and parameters in real-time based on the specific attachment configuration, enabling both ease of operation and high productivity
3Device complexity
If the control system does not recognize attachment geometric parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical parameter identification methods with sensor-based detection and computational analysis. Position sensors and the control module use geometric calculations based on sensor data to determine attachment parameters, reducing mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
Position sensors act as intermediaries between the physical attachment and the control system. These sensors translate physical attachment geometry into electrical signals that the control module can process, enabling accurate parameter recognition without direct mechanical interaction
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment calibration control system for a work machine where the system comprises a boom, an attachment, a boom actuator, an attachment actuator, a boom position sensor, an attachment position sensor, and a machine control module having a receiving unit, a calculation unit, and a calibration unit. The receiving unit is configured to receive a plurality of boom position signals and a plurality of attachment positions signal correlating to a plurality of sequential attachment position signals. The calculation unit is configured to calculate geometric parameters of the attachments based on the plurality of attachment position signal and the plurality of boom position signals correlating to the plurality of sequential attachment positions. The calibration unit is communicatively coupled to the boom actuator and the attachment actuator, and configured to adjust a default parameter of at least one of the boom position and the attachment position based on the geometric parameters of the attachment.