Coupler Load Measurement Using Force and Acceleration Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load measurement systems in work vehicles are complex, costly, and lack accuracy due to reliance on hydraulic pressure sensors and assumptions about force interactions, requiring precise position measurements.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a coupler assembly with integrated force and acceleration sensors to collect data, processed by a controller to determine the mass of the load carried by a work implement, improving accuracy and simplifying the measurement process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional hydraulic pressure sensors and assumptions about force interactions are used, then the system can measure load, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional hydraulic pressure sensors with a combination of force sensor and acceleration sensor that directly measure mechanical parameters. The force sensor measures actual force transferred through the coupler, while the acceleration sensor measures coupler acceleration, eliminating the need for hydraulic pressure measurements and complex force interaction assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the coupler as an intermediary element that connects the work implement to the work vehicle. By placing sensors on the coupler, the system directly measures force and acceleration at the critical connection point, providing accurate load data without complex hydraulic systems or positional assumptions.
2Measurement precision
If hydraulic pressure sensors are used for load measurement, then the system can function, but cost increases and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive hydraulic pressure sensing systems with more cost-effective force and acceleration sensors. These sensors directly measure mechanical parameters without requiring complex hydraulic infrastructure, reducing both component costs and system integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively simple force and acceleration sensors that are less expensive than hydraulic pressure sensor systems. These sensors provide adequate measurement life for the application while significantly reducing the overall system cost compared to conventional hydraulic measurement approaches.
3Measurement precision
If precise position measurements are required for load calculation, then measurement accuracy may improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position measurement requirement from the load calculation process. By directly measuring force and acceleration on the coupler, the system calculates load mass without needing to know the position of the work implement or make assumptions about force interactions at different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces position-based calculation methods with direct force and acceleration measurement. This substitution eliminates the need for complex position sensing systems and the computational assumptions required when using position data to infer load characteristics.
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
The system provides improved accuracy in load measurements by directly collecting and processing force and acceleration data, reducing complexity and cost compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one force sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect force data associated with force transferred by the coupler assembly from the work implement to the work vehicle
Implementation Method 2
at least one acceleration sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect acceleration data associated with acceleration of the coupler assembly during operation
Implementation Method 3
The acceleration sensor and the force sensor are configured to be coupled to a controller that receives and processes the force data and the acceleration data to determine a mass of a load of the work implement
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler assembly for coupling a work implement to a work vehicle includes a coupler mounted to the work vehicle and to the work implement. The coupler assembly further includes at least one force sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect force data associated with force transferred by the coupler assembly from the work implement to the work vehicle. The coupler assembly includes at least one acceleration sensor mounted to the coupler and configured to collect acceleration data associated with acceleration of the coupler assembly during operation. The acceleration sensor and the force sensor are configured to be coupled to a controller that receives and processes the force data and the acceleration data to determine a mass of a load of the work implement.