Construction Machine Position Control via Kick-Down Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current position control systems for construction machines, such as wheel loaders, are inefficient due to the need for separate manipulation of bucket and boom levers, increasing manufacturing costs and reducing operation speed.
Innovation Solution
A position control apparatus and method using a kick-down switch and boom-down signal to simultaneously move the boom and bucket to a preset position, eliminating the need for an electromagnet and allowing for automatic movement with enhanced manipulation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electromagnetic system is used to maintain the bucket lever and boom lever in a manipulated state, then the position control system can automatically move the bucket and boom to specific positions, but manufacturing costs of the construction machine are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the electromagnetic system from the position control mechanism. Instead of using electromagnets to maintain lever positions, the system uses a kick-down switch that leverages the existing hydraulic system and gravity to automatically return the boom and bucket to preset positions, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining automation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The kick-down switch serves multiple functions: it detects the operator's intent to lower the boom, triggers automatic position control, and utilizes the existing hydraulic system for execution. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate electromagnetic actuators, reducing system complexity and manufacturing cost
2Measurement precision
If the position control system needs to individually manipulate the bucket lever and the boom lever, then the bucket and boom can be controlled to specific positions, but manipulation efficiency is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of the boom lever and bucket lever into a single kick-down switch operation. When the operator activates the kick-down switch, the system simultaneously controls both the boom lowering and bucket positioning, eliminating the need for separate manipulations while maintaining precise position control through coordinated hydraulic actuation
3Measurement precision
If the boom needs to be moved to a specific position only after the bucket is moved to the specific position thereof, then position control can be maintained, but an operation cannot be promptly performed
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares both the boom and bucket for simultaneous movement in advance. When the kick-down switch is activated, pre-programmed control signals are immediately sent to both hydraulic systems, allowing the boom and bucket to move to their respective preset positions concurrently rather than sequentially, thereby significantly reducing operation time while maintaining position accuracy
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a position control apparatus for a working tool of a construction machine, including: a boom driving unit 21 for driving a boom 20; a bucket driving unit 31 for driving a bucket 30; a working tool manipulating part 40 for generating a manipulation signal for driving the boom driving unit 21 and the bucket driving unit 31; a kick-down switch 50 for generating a kick-down signal for lowering a gear stage; and a controller 80 for, if the kick-down signal is generated by the kick-down switch 50 and the manipulation signal is generated by the working tool manipulating part 40, outputting a control signal to the boom driving unit 21 and the bucket driving unit 31 to move the boom 20 and the bucket 30 to a preset position.