Boom Position Sensor Mounting for Excavator Drift Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digging machines, such as hydraulic excavators, face challenges in maintaining precise control of boom rotation due to engine vibrations, mechanical errors, and gravitational forces, leading to position inaccuracies, especially in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a boom actuator, position sensor, and rotational position system that receives data on the boom's horizontal rotation angle and sends commands to adjust the boom to a target or default position, using a position sensor fixedly mounted on the boom link and connected through links to the boom, to correct for drift and maintain accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise position control of boom rotation is implemented, then position accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need for multiple sensors and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor is multi-functionally used to detect both the boom rotation angle and the swing body rotation angle. By fixing the sensor to the boom link and utilizing the relative motion between the boom and swing body, a single sensor provides data for both control functions, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom link serves as an intermediary mechanical element that transmits the relative motion between the swing body and boom to the position sensor. This mechanical intermediary allows the sensor to indirectly measure both rotation angles through its fixed mounting on the boom link, simplifying the overall measurement system.
2Reliability
If the boom is held to a specific position to prevent hitting surrounding structures, then safety is improved, but position stability deteriorates due to engine vibrations and gravitational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously receives position data from the sensor and compares it with the target position, then sends correction commands to the boom actuator based on the detected deviation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically compensates for position drift caused by vibrations and gravitational forces, maintaining both safety and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational position system automatically detects position deviations and generates correction commands without external intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously monitoring its own state and making necessary adjustments, ensuring continuous position stability and safety during operation.
3Measurement precision
If a position sensor is fixedly mounted to the boom link to detect horizontal rotation angle, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the ease of installation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The position sensor is combined with the boom link assembly during manufacturing. By integrating the sensor mounting into the boom link structure itself, the system achieves accurate relative position measurement while simplifying the overall assembly process. The sensor becomes part of the standardized boom link component, improving both manufacturing efficiency and installation ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include receiving, from a position sensor associated with a machine, data indicative of a horizontal rotation angle of a boom of the machine. The position sensor may be fixedly mounted to a boom link of the machine and may be fixedly connected through one or more links to the boom. The method may further include sending, to a boom actuator, one or more commands to modify a horizontal position of the boom to a target horizontal position or to a default horizontal position. The target horizontal position may include a position of the boom prior to drift in the horizontal position during operation of linkage elements of the machine and the default horizontal position may include a position of the boom to which the boom is to return after use.