Work Vehicle Boom Control Using Continuous Position Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated control systems for work vehicles with booms and attachments often produce abrupt or jerky movements, leading to unwanted vibrations and reduced longevity of hydraulic components, and fail to simultaneously align booms and attachments to desired positions.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses hydraulic cylinders, sensors, and a controller to smoothly move and position booms and attachments by detecting their positions and adjusting movement curves to prevent abrupt transitions, allowing for simultaneous control of boom and attachment positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If limit switches or two-state position sensors are used to control the motion of the boom or attachment, then the control system is simple, but the work vehicle produces abrupt or jerky movements that reduce component longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of position detection from binary (limit switches) to continuous (potentiometers), enabling smooth modulation of hydraulic flow and elimination of abrupt movements while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces continuous feedback from potentiometers to the controller, allowing real-time adjustment of hydraulic flow based on actual boom or attachment position, thereby eliminating jerky movements and extending component life
2Device complexity
If limit switches are used for automated positioning, then the control system is simple, but unwanted vibrations and shock are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from binary position detection to continuous parameter measurement, enabling smooth control of hydraulic flow and elimination of vibrations and shock during automated positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of hydraulic flow based on continuous position feedback, allowing the system to adaptively adjust flow rates and eliminate harmful vibrations and shock during operation
3Ease of operation
If the control system returns the bucket to ready-to-dig position, then the attachment is positioned correctly, but the boom is not aligned to desired boom height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the control system multi-functional by simultaneously controlling both attachment and boom positioning through a single integrated controller that receives inputs from multiple sensors and coordinates hydraulic flow to both actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces separate feedback loops for both attachment and boom positions, allowing the controller to independently and precisely control each component's position while maintaining overall system simplicity
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
The system reduces vibrations and extends the lifespan of hydraulic components by ensuring smooth, controlled movements and precise positioning of booms and attachments, enhancing operator comfort and machine longevity.
Implementation Method 1
A first sensor detects a boom position based on a first linear position of a first movable member associated with the first hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
A second sensor detects an attachment position based on a second linear position of a second movable member associated with the second hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 3
A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom
Implementation Method 4
A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom position based on a first linear position of a first movable member associated with the first hydraulic cylinder. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position based on a second linear position of a second movable member associated with the second hydraulic cylinder. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position state in response to the command.