Blade Tilt Control via Track Plane Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operators of track-type machines face challenges in adjusting the tilt angle of implements, such as dozer blades, due to the lack of visibility of the ground-facing edge, leading to potential errors and uneven work site flattening, and existing solutions like the '355 patent are costly and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a plane determination module and an implement control module that computes the location of blade tip points in three-dimensional space, compares the blade tip point plane to the track plane, and adjusts the tilt angle automatically to ensure parallel alignment, using low-cost sensors and eliminating the need for GPS or IMU systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blade position sensors and GPS systems are used to monitor tilt angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensor systems (blade position sensors, GPS, IMU) with a purely geometric calculation approach. The tilt angle is determined by computing the relationship between the blade tip point plane and track plane using coordinate geometry, eliminating the need for expensive sensors while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual geometric model (blade tip point plane) that replicates the physical blade position. By calculating the plane formed by three blade tip points and comparing it with the track plane, the system obtains tilt angle information without physically sensing it, thus reducing device complexity.
2Device complexity
If manual adjustment of tilt angle by operator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement and self-adjustment of the blade tilt angle. The control unit automatically calculates the tilt angle based on geometric relationships between blade tip points and tracks, then commands the hydraulic cylinder to adjust the blade position, eliminating operator dependency and improving precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the actual blade position (derived from geometric calculations) is continuously compared with the desired position, and the hydraulic cylinder is controlled to eliminate the difference, ensuring precise work site flattening.
3Productivity
If automatic tilt angle adjustment system is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex sensing and control hardware with geometric calculations based on track positions. By using the known relationship between tracks and blade tip points to determine tilt angle, the system achieves automatic adjustment with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs multiple functions: it calculates blade tip point coordinates, determines the blade tip point plane, compares it with the track plane, and controls the hydraulic cylinder. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting complexity increase while improving productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system associated with an implement of a machine is provided. The system includes a plane determination module configured to determine a track plane based on a relationship between at least two tracks of the machine. The system also includes an implement control module. The implement control module is configured to compute a location of two or more blade tip points of the implement of the machine in three dimensional space based on at least one constraint of a geometry of the implement. The implement control module is also configured to determine a blade tip point plane based on a relationship between at least two blade tip points of the implement. The implement control module is further configured to compare the blade tip point plane with the track plane and determine if the blade tip point plane is parallel to the track plane based on the comparison.