Crawler Work Machine Turning Control With Clutch-Brake Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crawler-type work machines face difficulties in accurately approximating the actual turning radius to the target turning radius, particularly on sloped terrain or during dozing work, due to the need for complex modulation characteristics and numerous input parameters.
Innovation Solution
A crawler-type work machine with a control unit that switches between clutch and brake controls based on the differential between the actual and target turning radii, using left and right steering clutches and brakes to adjust the vehicle's turning radius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple modulation characteristics and numerous input parameters are prepared to select the suited modulation characteristic for all traveling states, then the turning control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and emphasizes only the most critical control parameter (hydraulic pressure of steering clutches and brakes) while eliminating the need for multiple modulation characteristics and numerous input parameters. The control unit adjusts turning control by modifying this single key parameter based on the differential between actual and target turning radii, significantly simplifying the control system while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs multiple functions by using a single control approach: it calculates the differential between actual and target turning radii, determines the required hydraulic pressure adjustment, and executes the turning control. This universal method works across different traveling states (normal travel, sloped terrain, dozing work) without requiring separate modulation characteristics for each condition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple modulation characteristics are prepared to handle different traveling states, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the actual turning radius and compares it with the target turning radius, calculating the differential. Based on this feedback, the control unit automatically adjusts the hydraulic pressure of the steering clutches and brakes to achieve the desired turning radius. This closed-loop feedback mechanism provides adaptability to various traveling states while maintaining ease of operation, as the system self-adjusts without requiring manual intervention or complex operator knowledge.
Data Source
AI summary
A bulldozer includes a control unit for controlling left and right steering clutches and left and right steering brakes, thereby executing a turning control of the vehicle. The control unit switches between a clutch control and a brake control on the basis of a differential between an actual turning radius and a target turning radius.