Clearing Blade Load Control for Automated Piste Grooming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clearing devices for piste grooming vehicles require skilled and concentrated operation to adjust the position and orientation of the clearing blade, which is complex and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A control unit autonomously adjusts the position and orientation of the clearing blade based on detected actual clearing blade load using sensors such as cameras, ultrasonic, radar, or lidar, eliminating the need for user intervention and ensuring the blade load corresponds to the surface depression volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of the joystick is used to control the clearing blade position and orientation, then the driver can adjust the blade, but the operation requires skill and concentration making it complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clearing device adjusts its own position and orientation automatically based on sensor feedback about the surface conditions and blade load, eliminating the need for manual joystick operation. The system serves itself by detecting actual clearing blade load and autonomously controlling the adjusting device to optimize blade position.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor device detects the actual clearing blade load and provides feedback to the control unit, which then adjusts the blade position and orientation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adaptation to changing surface conditions without manual intervention.
2Extent of automation
If automated control is implemented to eliminate user skill requirements, then operation is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical control system (joystick and hydraulic actuators) is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect blade load and electronic control units to manage the adjusting device. This substitution eliminates manual operation while managing system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes sensor data about blade load, determines optimal blade position, controls the adjusting device, and adapts to different surface conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Productivity
If the clearing blade operates at high load to improve productivity, then surface processing efficiency increases, but the risk of damage to the blade and vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device continuously monitors the actual clearing blade load and provides feedback to the control unit. The control unit uses this information to adjust blade position and orientation to optimize the load, preventing excessive forces that could cause damage while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade position and orientation are dynamically adjusted during operation based on real-time load conditions. The system adapts the blade angle and position to match actual working conditions, allowing optimal load distribution that maximizes productivity while protecting against damage.
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
Simplifies the operation of clearing devices by automating blade adjustments, ensuring efficient surface processing without the need for user skill or concentration, and preventing damage by maintaining optimal blade load.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor device can comprise a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, and/or a radar or lidar sensor that determines the volume of the recess
Implementation Method 2
the sensor device can comprise a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, and/or a radar or lidar sensor that determines the volume of the recess
Implementation Method 3
the sensor device can comprise a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, and/or a radar or lidar sensor that determines the volume of the recess
Implementation Method 4
the sensor device can comprise a camera, an ultrasonic sensor, and/or a radar or lidar sensor that determines the volume of the recess
Data Source
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AI summary
1. A clearing device for a vehicle and a piste-grooming vehicle having such a clearing device 2.1 A clearing device for a vehicle, having a clearing shield for processing a surface, and an actuating device for spatially controlling the clearing shield relative to the vehicle, wherein the actuating device is designed to change a position and/or a setting of the clearing shield relative to the surface, is known. 2.2 According to the invention, a detecting device for detecting an actual clearing-shield loading on the clearing shield and a control unit are provided, wherein the control unit is designed to control the actuating device in dependence on the actual clearing-shield loading for the purpose of changing the actual clearing-shield loading by changing the position and/or setting of the clearing shield. 2.3 Use for piste-grooming vehicles