Automatic Grading Control for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic grading systems for work machines lack efficient and precise control over the depth and position of grading tools, leading to inefficiencies and potential machine stoppages due to resistance forces, especially in light-duty applications.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a chassis, rotatable ground-contacting members, and an actuator system that includes a pole assembly with a receiver for wireless signal detection, an electronic controller to adjust the actuator and grading tool assembly, allowing for automated adjustment of the grading tool's position and pitch to vary the depth and earth disruption characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automatic grading systems are implemented, then grading precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of the grading tool with an automated system that uses wireless signals (optical/electromagnetic field) detected by a receiver to control the actuator, thereby improving precision while managing complexity through electronic control rather than purely mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a receiver as an intermediary component that detects wireless signals and converts them into control commands for the actuator, enabling precise automated control without direct mechanical linkage between the operator and the grading tool
2Productivity
If automated actuator control is used, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the grading tool automatically adjusts its position and pitch based on wireless signals without requiring manual intervention from the operator, thereby improving productivity while the operator simply needs to provide initial setup and monitor operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver continuously detects wireless signals and feeds this information back to the actuator control system, allowing automatic real-time adjustment of the grading tool position and pitch, improving productivity through automated control
3Force
If grading tool position is automatically adjusted, then resistance forces are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the grading tool position and pitch adjustable through automated actuator control, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to varying ground conditions and reduce resistance forces automatically without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms
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
Enables precise and automated control of grading tool position and pitch, reducing resistance forces and preventing machine stoppages, while allowing for efficient earth disruption and transport, even in light-duty applications.
Implementation Method 1
A receiver is coupled with the pole assembly and is structured to detect a wireless signal
Data Source
AI summary
Work machines including automatic grading features and functions. One exemplary embodiment is a work machine including a chassis, ground contacting members rotatably coupled with the chassis and an actuator coupled with the chassis. A pole assembly extends above the chassis. A receiver is coupled with the pole assembly and structured to detect a wireless signal. An electronic controller is in operative communication with the receiver and the actuator, the electronic controller structured to adjust an actuator in response to a wireless signal detected by the receiver. The actuator is adjustable to vary position of the receiver and to vary position of a grading tool assembly coupled with a suspension.