Construction Machine Control System for Uncontrolled Lowering Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled construction machines, such as road milling machines, face issues with uncontrolled lowering during depth adjustment, leading to potential jamming of height-adjustable components and risk of the machine falling, due to inadequate penetration speed of the working roller and loss of contact force with the ground.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that measures contact force on the running gears to differentiate between controlled and uncontrolled lowering by generating signals for the control unit to prevent further height adjustment during uncontrolled lowering, and providing alerts through a signaling unit to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the machine frame is lowered to adjust working depth, then the working roller penetrates the ground, but the penetration speed is insufficient leading to uncontrolled lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors the contact force between the running gears and the ground. When the contact force exceeds a predetermined threshold indicating uncontrolled lowering, the system automatically sends a signal to stop the lowering movement, thereby preventing pitch holes and ensuring reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical lowering control with an electromechanical control system that uses sensors to detect contact force and electronic control units to process the signals and actuate the lowering mechanism, enabling precise control of the working roller's penetration speed
2Adaptability or versatility
If height-adjustable components are suspended on the machine frame, then they can follow the ground surface, but they may become jammed in the guide leading to sudden machine fall
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system monitors the contact force of the running gears and detects abnormal conditions such as jamming of height-adjustable components. When jamming is detected through abnormal contact force patterns, the system stops the lowering movement before the machine can fall, preventing damage
Solution Approach 2:
The control system takes preliminary action by continuously monitoring contact force and stopping the lowering movement before jamming can cause the machine to fall. This preventive approach counteracts the potential harmful effect before it occurs
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 uncontrolled lowering and potential damage by ensuring the machine frame is lowered at a controlled rate, maintaining contact with the ground and preventing jamming of height-adjustable components.
Implementation Method 1
a measuring device (18) having means (19) for measuring the contact force which is exerted by the construction machine on at least one of the running gears (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The machine has a measuring componenet (18) with a measuring unit to measure a main portion on a drive (3). A control unit (17) is in the operating mode for lowering the construction machine activated evaluation unit (22). The evaluation unit is adapted to generate a function of measured rebellion force or physical size of signal correlating with rebellion force, so as to indicate an uncontrolled lowering of the main portion if rebellion force falls below a given threshold value, and to indicate a controlled lowering of main portion when rebellion force exceeds threshold value. An independent claim is included for method for operating self-propelled construction machine.