Electric Lift Arm Attachment Actuation for Precise Implement Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power machines rely on hydraulic systems for operations, which can be less precise, slower, and require more maintenance compared to electrical systems, and often lack efficient component integration and weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
The power machine incorporates electrical actuators and motors, with a battery assembly located rearward to improve precision and control, reduce maintenance, and enhance component integration and weight distribution, featuring a tilt actuator pocket and electrical lift actuator pockets for stable support and debris protection, along with efficient power routing and control module installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hydraulic systems are used for power machine operations, then the system can provide sufficient power and force, but the operational precision is reduced and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic systems with electrical systems throughout the power machine. Electrical actuators are used instead of hydraulic cylinders for positioning work elements, electrical motors replace hydraulic motors for driving tracks and wheels, and electrical pumps replace hydraulic pumps. This substitution eliminates hydraulic fluid, seals, and hoses, thereby improving operational precision through better controllability and reducing maintenance requirements by eliminating hydraulic system-specific wear and leakage issues.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional hydraulic component integration is used, then the system can be established, but component integration efficiency is reduced and weight distribution is optimized poorly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges previously separate hydraulic and electrical systems into a unified electrical system architecture. The battery assembly serves as a common power source for all electrical components, and the control system integrates control of multiple electrical actuators and motors. This consolidation improves component integration efficiency by reducing the number of separate fluid systems and improves weight distribution by strategically positioning the battery and electrical components to achieve better balance.
Data Source
AI summary
A lift arm structure for a power machine can include a lift arm movably securable to a power machine frame, and an implement carrier movably secured to the lift arm. The implement carrier can include an engagement assembly that is movable relative to the implement carrier to selectively secure and release an implement relative to the implement carrier. An electrical attachment actuator can be configured to move the engagement assembly to selectively secure and release the implement relative to the implement carrier. A control system can be configured to electronically control movement of the electrical attachment actuator to move the engagement assembly based on determining an operational state of one or more of the engagement assembly or the implement.