Attachment-Configurable Control System for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines face inefficiencies due to the complexity of managing various attachments with different control systems and user input parameters, leading to confusion and difficulty in operating attachments like box blades across different machines.
Innovation Solution
An attachment-configurable control system that uses a joystick with customizable movement command configurations based on attachment types, featuring a hydraulic system with auxiliary cylinders for precise control, and an identification device to automatically adjust settings for seamless attachment operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standardized user input interface is used for all attachments, then the control system remains simple and consistent, but operator efficiency decreases when switching between different attachment types
Solution Approach 1:
The user input interface dynamically reconfigures its movement command configurations based on the detected attachment type. The controller receives attachment identification signals and automatically adjusts joystick control mappings, transforming the static interface into an adaptive system that optimizes operator efficiency for each specific attachment while maintaining hardware simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes control parameters (movement command configurations) based on attachment type detection. Different attachments trigger different control mappings, allowing the same physical joystick to provide optimized control for buckets, blades, forks, and other attachments without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional control devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external control members are added for third-party attachments, then attachment functionality is achieved, but control precision and integration quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The user input interface is designed as a universal control system that can accommodate multiple attachment types through software reconfiguration rather than hardware modifications. The controller interprets attachment identification signals and automatically adjusts control mappings, allowing a single standardized interface to precisely control diverse attachments including third-party equipment without requiring external control members.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces physical external control members with an electronic reconfiguration system. Instead of adding mechanical control levers or switches for different attachments, the system uses electronic signal detection and software-based control mapping changes to achieve the same functionality, thereby maintaining control precision and integration quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple work machines with different control configurations are used for different attachments, then attachment specialization is achieved, but system complexity and operator training requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single work machine achieves multi-functionality through the reconfigurable user input interface. The controller detects attachment types and automatically adjusts control configurations, allowing one machine to specialize in different attachment operations without requiring multiple dedicated machines, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining attachment specialization.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adapts its configurations based on the attached equipment. Rather than requiring static, dedicated control settings for each attachment type across multiple machines, the system transforms into a dynamic configuration that optimizes control for the currently attached equipment, eliminating the need for multiple specialized machines.
4Ease of operation
If attachment-specific control configurations are implemented, then control intuitiveness improves, but the time required to switch between configurations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with multiple movement command configurations corresponding to different attachment types. When an attachment is detected, the system automatically retrieves and activates the pre-configured control mapping, eliminating the need for manual configuration setup and reducing switching time while maintaining intuitive control for each attachment type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses attachment identification signals as feedback to automatically determine which control configuration to activate. This closed-loop approach ensures the correct intuitive control configuration is immediately applied when an attachment is connected, eliminating manual intervention and minimizing configuration switching time.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Simplifies operator control by adapting movement commands for different attachments, reducing the need for external control members and enhancing versatility and efficiency in operating work machines.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic system may comprise a hydraulic pump coupled to one or more of the pair of first hydraulic cylinders, the second pair of hydraulic cylinders, and an auxiliary hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic pump delivers fluid through a plurality of flow paths wherein the plurality of flow paths are coupled to one or more of the first hydraulic cylinder, the second hydraulic cylinder, and the auxiliary hydraulic cylinder.
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment-configurable control system and method for a work machine, the work machine comprising a frame and a ground-engaging mechanism; a boom assembly coupled to the frame and moveable relative to the frame by a pair of first hydraulic cylinders, and an attachment coupler coupled to a distal section of the boom arms, the attachment coupler moveable relative to the frame by a pair of second hydraulic cylinders; an operator cab coupled to the frame, the operator cab comprising a joystick configured to move in at least a first direction, and at least a second direction wherein the second direction is transverse to the first direction; and a controller enabling an operator to command movement of a first attachment coupled to the boom assembly using a first movement command configuration a second attachment coupled to the boom assembly using a second movement command configuration.