Dynamic Counterbalance Control for Ground-Working Machine Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground-working machines with multiple working assemblies transfer most of their weight directly to the ground, affecting traction, especially on contoured terrain, necessitating a method to redistribute weight back to the vehicle for increased traction.
Innovation Solution
A ground-working machine with a control system that dynamically adjusts counterbalance pressure based on slope and location, using connection assemblies and fluid power actuators to shift weight from working assemblies to vehicle rotatable members, maintaining ground contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If working assemblies transfer most of their weight directly to the ground, then ground contact and stability are improved, but vehicle traction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts counterbalance pressure based on real-time slope sensor feedback, transitioning from a static weight distribution to a dynamic one that adapts to terrain conditions. The control system continuously monitors slope and automatically adjusts hydraulic pressure to optimize both stability and traction as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of counterbalance pressure applied to working assemblies based on slope conditions. By adjusting hydraulic pressure parameters in response to slope sensor data, the system modifies weight distribution to maintain optimal traction while preserving ground contact stability
2Force
If counterbalance pressure is applied to working assemblies, then vehicle traction is improved, but working assembly stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs slope sensors to continuously monitor terrain conditions and feeds this information back to the control system, which adjusts counterbalance pressure accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that traction enhancement does not compromise working assembly stability by adapting pressure levels to actual operating conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The counterbalance pressure is made dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to optimize the balance between vehicle traction and working assembly stability in real-time based on slope conditions, rather than maintaining a fixed pressure level that would compromise one aspect for the other
3Device complexity
If fixed counterbalance pressure is applied to all working assemblies, then system simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the counterbalance control by applying individual counterbalance pressure adjustment to each working assembly based on its specific slope conditions, rather than using a uniform fixed pressure for all assemblies. This allows differentiated response to varying terrain conditions while maintaining manageable system architecture through modular control
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
Enhances traction by dynamically redistributing weight from working assemblies to the vehicle, improving performance on sloped surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid power actuator attached to the connector arm at a first end and to the vehicle at a second end, a counterbalance valve operatively connected to the fluid power actuator and configured to apply the counterbalance pressure to the one working assembly via the fluid power actuator
Implementation Method 2
a counterbalance valve operatively connected to the fluid power actuator and configured to apply the counterbalance pressure to the one working assembly via the fluid power actuator
Implementation Method 3
a slope sensor configured to output a slope value indicating a slope of the ground-working machine with respect to a horizontal reference plane
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a dynamic counterbalance system for a ground-working machine having vehicle ground-engaging rotatable members configured to contact a ground surface, working assemblies, and connection assemblies, wherein each connection assembly attaches one working assembly to the vehicle. Each connection assembly is configured to apply a counterbalance pressure to the one working assembly, wherein the counterbalance pressure shifts weight from the working assembly ground-engaging rotatable members to the vehicle ground-engaging rotatable members based in output from a slope sensor, wherein the working assembly ground-engaging rotatable members remain in contact with a ground surface while the determined counterbalance pressure of the determined counterbalance value is applied to the particular working assembly.