Boom Float Control With Ground-Contact Deceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic control systems in work vehicles experience shocks during the execution of the floating function of the boom due to misalignment between the predetermined grounding position and the actual contact position with the ground, leading to uncontrolled movements.
Innovation Solution
A control method that activates the floating function only when the boom is in contact with the ground, using a control system that decelerates the boom before reaching the grounding position and adjusts the actuation rates based on the boom's position and operating mode, ensuring the grounding position aligns with the actual contact position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the floating function is activated at a predetermined grounding position, then the boom lowering operation can be automated, but shocks occur when the actual contact position with ground does not align with the predetermined position
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the actual position of the boom during lowering operation and compares it with the predetermined grounding position. When the actual contact position is detected (through position sensors or operator input), the system provides feedback to adjust the lowering rate, thereby preventing shocks caused by misalignment between predetermined and actual grounding positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom lowering rate is dynamically adjusted based on the boom's actual position and the detected contact position. The control system varies the lowering speed in real-time, slowing down as the boom approaches the ground and stopping precisely when contact is detected, thus eliminating shocks while maintaining automated operation.
2Productivity
If the boom is lowered quickly to reach grounding position, then productivity is improved, but uncontrolled movements and shocks occur due to misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The boom lowering operation is divided into multiple phases with different speeds: a fast initial lowering phase to quickly approach the grounding position, followed by a deceleration phase when proximity to ground is detected, and finally a controlled stopping phase when contact is detected. This periodic variation in speed maintains productivity while ensuring controlled movement throughout the operation.
3Ease of operation
If the floating function is activated before actual ground contact, then the boom can be lowered automatically, but uncontrolled movements occur due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The control system prepares for ground contact by continuously monitoring boom position and predicting the contact point. When the boom approaches the predetermined grounding position, the system preliminarily reduces the lowering rate in anticipation of contact, ensuring that the floating function activates at the correct moment and preventing uncontrolled movements caused by premature activation.
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
Prevents shocks by aligning the grounding position with the actual contact position, providing a smooth and controlled operation of the boom during the floating function.
Implementation Method 1
each hydraulic actuator comprises at least one hydraulic cylinder operatively connected respectively to the boom and the attachment, that uses hydraulic power of a working fluid to facilitate mechanical operation
Implementation Method 2
when the floating function is activated, the boom is lowered according to the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A control method for executing a floating function of a boom in a work vehicle includes determining that a predetermined floating function activation command has been inputted by the operator by means of a command input means. When the floating function activation command has been inputted by the operator, acquiring, a signal or data indicative of the current position of the boom along a travel path of the boom over time, the travel path including a first section between a boom full extension position and a deceleration position, a second section between the deceleration position and a grounding position, and a third section between the grounding position and a full retract position, and moving the boom from the current position, determined based on the signal or data indicative of the position of the boom, to the full retract position.