Dynamic Steering Thresholds for Articulated Machine Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machine stability control systems fail to effectively address unintended steering effects due to factors like machine speed, payload, and surface grade, leading to instability during operations.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control module receives steering command information and uses data from sensors to determine articulation angles and rates, payload, and surface grade, adjusting the steering command when thresholds are exceeded to maintain stability by modifying the steering command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine operates at higher speeds to improve productivity, then productivity increases, but stability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to unintended steering effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the articulation angle threshold parameter based on machine speed, payload, implement position, and surface grade. When speed increases, the threshold is adjusted to prevent excessive articulation that would cause instability, while allowing higher speeds for productivity when conditions are favorable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors machine speed, payload, implement position, and surface grade through sensors, compares current operating conditions against stored threshold data, and automatically adjusts steering control to maintain stability. This closed-loop feedback enables the machine to operate at high speeds while maintaining stability through real-time parameter adjustment.
2Productivity
If the machine carries heavier payloads to improve efficiency, then operational efficiency increases, but stability deteriorates due to increased articulation effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts the articulation angle threshold parameter based on payload weight. Heavier payloads result in more conservative threshold limits that prevent excessive articulation, while lighter payloads allow for more aggressive steering. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains stability across varying payload conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering control system transitions from static fixed thresholds to dynamic adaptive thresholds that automatically adjust based on real-time payload measurements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize stability for each specific payload condition without requiring manual intervention.
3Productivity
If the machine operates on steeper surface grades to improve productivity, then productivity increases, but stability deteriorates due to increased articulation effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system modifies the articulation angle threshold parameter based on detected surface grade. Steeper grades result in more conservative threshold limits that prevent articulation-induced instability, while level surfaces allow for higher threshold values. This enables productive operation on varied terrain while maintaining stability through adaptive parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses surface grade sensors to continuously monitor terrain conditions and automatically adjusts steering thresholds in real-time. This feedback mechanism allows the machine to maintain optimal stability margins across different surface grades without requiring operator intervention or manual threshold adjustment.
4Ease of operation
If the machine allows greater articulation angles for maneuverability, then ease of operation increases, but stability deteriorates due to unintended steering effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces static articulation angle limits with dynamic adaptive thresholds that automatically adjust based on current operating conditions including speed, payload, implement position, and surface grade. This enables the machine to provide maximum maneuverability when conditions permit while maintaining stability when conditions require more conservative articulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulation angle threshold parameter is dynamically changed based on real-time sensor data. When speed is low, payload is moderate, implement position is favorable, and surface grade is gentle, higher articulation angles are permitted for better maneuverability. When conditions deteriorate, the threshold automatically reduces to maintain stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A system may comprise a plurality of sensors configured to transmit sensor information regarding a speed of a machine, a position of an implement of the machine, a payload of the machine, a grade of a surface on which the machine is traveling. The system may further comprise an electronic control module configured to receive steering command information regarding a steering command of the machine; determine, based on the steering command information, one or more articulation parameters associated with the steering command, determine the speed, the position of the implement, the payload, and the grade based on the sensor information. The electronic control module may be configured to determine one or more articulation parameters thresholds based on the speed, the position of the implement, and the payload of the machine; and modify the steering command when the one or more articulation parameters exceeds the one or more articulation parameters thresholds.