Automatic Hoist Control via Engine Idle Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current load-carrying machines require operators to perform multiple actions during hoist cycles, leading to reduced operational efficiency and increased fatigue, as they need to manually control the engine, transmission, and hoist system, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows for automatic operation of the hoist system, where the engine idle level is adjusted and the hoist system is controlled via a processor-based system, enabling automatic movement of the body between raised and lowered positions with reduced operator intervention, using a hoist mode actuator and throttle operations to manage the engine and hoist system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual control of engine, transmission, and hoist system is used, then operator control and flexibility are maintained, but operational efficiency is reduced and operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic hoist operation where the hoist system autonomously controls body movement between lowered and raised positions based on detected machine conditions (e.g., transmission range, brake state), reducing the need for continuous operator intervention and manual actions during hoist cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The control system pre-conditions automatic hoist operation by detecting and evaluating multiple machine states (transmission in neutral range, brake applied, machine stationary) before enabling automatic body movement, ensuring safe and appropriate automatic operation
2Ease of operation
If automatic hoist operation is implemented, then number of operator actions is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing hoist control system is enhanced to perform both manual and automatic operations, with the control module integrating multiple functions (condition detection, automatic control, manual override) within the existing hydraulic hoist infrastructure, minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A control module acts as an intermediary between the hoist actuator and various machine systems (transmission, brake, engine), detecting their states and coordinating automatic hoist operation without requiring direct complex integration of all systems
3Speed
If automatic operation adjusts engine idle level and controls hoist system, then movement smoothness is improved, but energy consumption may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The engine idle level is dynamically adjusted during automatic hoist operation, with the control system modifying engine parameters in real-time based on hoist cycle phase and machine conditions to optimize both movement smoothness and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Automatic hoist operation employs periodic cycles of body raising and lowering, with the control system managing repeated sequences of transmission shifting, brake application, and hoist actuation that create rhythmic, smooth movement patterns while controlling overall energy usage
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing and canceling an automatic operation of a body of a machine includes receiving a selection of an automatic setting according to a first operation of a hoist mode actuator, determining an activation state of the automatic setting, causing an automatic operation of an engine of the machine to adjust an idle level of the engine and an automatic operation of a hoist system to move the body in a first direction to a first position. The method includes canceling the automatic operation of the engine and the automatic operation of the hoist system and controlling the idle level of the engine according to operations of a throttle, the hoist system to move the body according to the idle level of the engine and respective directions of the second operation the hoist mode actuator and subsequent operations of the hoist mode actuator.