Threshold-Based Excavation Work-Tool Shake for Reduced Spillage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavation systems face issues with material spillage during transportation, leading to hazardous conditions and maintenance problems, particularly in confined spaces like underground mining operations, and existing methods of implement shaking can stress hydraulic and linkage systems.
Innovation Solution
A controller-based system that initiates a work-tool shake routine by comparing lift and tilt actuator extensions with predefined thresholds, causing the work-tool to rack and unrack multiple times in succession.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the implement shaking mode is activated without checking the status of the implement, then the operator can quickly remove excess material, but the hydraulic and linkage systems may be stressed and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the implement status (bucket position, tilt angle, load sensors) before activating the shaking mode. The controller verifies that the implement is in an appropriate state (e.g., bucket is in dumping position, load is within safe limits) before initiating the shaking sequence, thereby preventing stress on hydraulic and linkage systems while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor the implement status and this information is fed back to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine whether to activate shaking mode, adjust shaking parameters in real-time, or terminate the shaking sequence early if abnormal conditions are detected, thus protecting the system while maintaining efficient material removal
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the bucket is shaken multiple times to prevent spillage, then material spillage is reduced, but the hydraulic system experiences increased stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the shaking sequence adaptive rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the number of shaking cycles, shaking intensity, and duration based on real-time detection of material condition (via load sensors, bucket position sensors) and system state (hydraulic pressure, actuator position). This dynamic adjustment reduces unnecessary shaking that would stress the hydraulic system while maintaining sufficient shaking to prevent spillage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters such as shaking frequency, amplitude, and duration based on detected conditions. The controller modifies these parameters dynamically during the shaking sequence or selects different parameter sets from pre-programmed options based on the detected implement status, material type, and operational context, thereby reducing overall system stress while maintaining spill prevention effectiveness
3Reliability
If the work-tool is racked and unracked multiple times, then complete unloading is ensured, but the linkage system experiences repeated stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the work-tool status (position, tilt angle, load) before initiating the rack-unrack sequence. The controller determines the minimum number of cycles required based on this preliminary assessment, avoiding unnecessary repetitions that would stress the linkage system while ensuring complete unloading through a data-driven approach to determining sufficient shaking cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A machine may include a work-tool, a lift actuator configured to lift the work-tool above a ground surface, a tilt actuator configured to tilt the work-tool. The machine may also include a controller configured to receive a control signal indicative of an operator command to initiate a work-tool shake routine, and execute the work-tool shake routine in response to the control signal based on a comparison of lift actuator extension with a first threshold, and a comparison of tilt actuator extension with a second threshold. The work-tool shake routine may include racking and unracking the work-tool multiple times in succession.