Digging Control System for Earthmoving Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Earthmoving machines waste energy and time by needlessly pushing material into piles during the digging process, leading to increased fuel consumption and reduced efficiency in material movement.
Innovation Solution
A digging control system that includes a sensing system and a controller to monitor the loading and tilt angle of the work implement, initiating tilting without lifting when the loading exceeds a threshold, and ceasing tilting at a predetermined angle to reduce resistance and optimize material extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine pushes material forward into the pile during digging, then the bucket can capture material, but energy is wasted and fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tilting of the work implement before lifting occurs. The controller monitors loading and initiates tilting when threshold loading is detected, positioning the implement to push material upward rather than forward before the lifting action begins, thereby preventing energy waste from the start of the digging operation
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing system continuously monitors loading on the work implement and provides feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the tilting and lifting actions based on this real-time feedback, optimizing the digging sequence to minimize energy waste while maintaining effective material capture
2Reliability
If the operator simultaneously lifts and racks the bucket while driving forward, then drivetrain torque is relieved and wheel slippage reduces, but the operation becomes difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated control where the sensing system and controller automatically manage the tilting and lifting sequences based on monitored loading conditions. This removes the burden of coordinating multiple simultaneous actions from the operator, making the system easier to operate while maintaining drivetrain stability through optimized sequencing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical coordination with an electronic control system that automatically sequences the tilting and lifting actions. The controller electronically coordinates the hydraulic actuators based on sensing system input, substituting complex manual mechanical coordination with automated electronic control
3Device complexity
If the bucket is not tilted before lifting, then the structure remains simple, but energy is wasted pushing material into the pile before lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system provides real-time feedback on loading conditions to the controller, which automatically determines when to initiate tilting. This feedback-based automated control achieves energy optimization without requiring complex manual coordination or overly complicated mechanical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the tilt angle parameter of the work implement based on monitored loading conditions. By automatically adjusting this parameter in response to sensing system input, the system optimizes energy efficiency without requiring permanently complex mechanical configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A digging control system for use with a machine having a work implement is disclosed. The digging control system may have a sensing system configured to generate a signal indicative of a loading of the work implement. The digging control system may also have a controller. The controller may be configured to determine the loading of the work implement based on the signal. Additionally, the controller may be configured to initiate tilting of the work implement in response to a determination that the loading of the work implement exceeds a threshold loading. The work implement may not be substantially lifted during this tilting of the work implement. The controller may also be configured to monitor a tilt angle of the work implement. Additionally, the controller may be configured to cease tilting of the work implement when the tilt angle of the work implement substantially equals a threshold tilt angle.