Cartesian Load Arm Control for Telescopic Loader Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction and agricultural machines, such as telehandlers and wheel loaders, face difficulties in controlling the movement of load arms during horizontal movements, requiring separate control of lifting angle and length, making operations complex and prone to tipping over.

Innovation Solution

The control unit is designed to manage load arm movements in two linear directions, allowing operators to control the load pickup in Cartesian coordinates, simplifying operations by enabling independent control of vertical and horizontal movements, and incorporating mechanical coupling of drive units for precise linear movement control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operator controls the lifting angle and load arm length separately in a polar coordinate system, then the loading system can achieve full range of motion, but the control complexity increases and operational ease deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/polar coordinate control system with an electronic control system that enables Cartesian coordinate control. The control unit receives input signals in Cartesian coordinates (horizontal and vertical directions) and automatically converts them into the appropriate lifting angle and load arm length commands, eliminating the need for the operator to manually manage polar coordinate relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter representation from polar coordinates (radius and angle) to Cartesian coordinates (horizontal and vertical components). This parameter transformation simplifies the operator's control inputs by allowing independent adjustment of horizontal and vertical movements, which directly corresponds to intuitive spatial directions rather than requiring calculation of angular and radial relationships.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If mechanical interventions are added to prevent tipping over, then safety improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against tipping overVSAvoidmechanical intervention complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the load arm's position (both horizontal and vertical components) and compares it with the desired position. The system automatically adjusts the drive units to eliminate deviations, providing closed-loop control that prevents tipping over by maintaining stable load positioning without requiring additional mechanical interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the load arm is controlled for linear movement in two directions, then operational ease improves, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinear movement controlVSAvoidcontrol unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the control unit to perform multiple functions: it processes Cartesian coordinate inputs, converts them to polar coordinate commands for the drive units, monitors load arm position, and provides feedback control. This multi-functional approach consolidates control complexity into a single integrated unit rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each movement direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4242160A1Construction machine or agricultural machine
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 KRAMER WERKE
  • EP4242160A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4242160A1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4242160A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A construction or agricultural machine, in particular a telescopic loader (1) or wheel loader or crane vehicle, is proposed, comprising a loading system (5) with a vertically pivotable and length-adjustable load arm (6) for receiving a load in a load holder (9), wherein a control unit (17) is designed for controlling the load arm for a linear movement of the load holder (9), enabling improved movement control. This is achieved according to the invention by the control unit (17) being designed to control the movements of the load arm (6) for a second linear movement of the load holder (9).