Excavator Dual Control for Attachment-Specific Power Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavator systems do not adequately adjust work modes to accommodate different types of attachments, leading to inefficiencies in power, control, precision, and efficiency requirements.
Innovation Solution
A dual control system that allows operators to adjust engine rpm and swash plate angle of a variable displacement pump, using a programmable controller, control panel, and display interface, to optimize work modes for operator preference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fixed work modes are used in excavators, then the machine can operate with standard power settings, but it cannot adequately accommodate different types of attachments with special workload requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing operators to independently adjust engine RPM and swash plate angle in real-time, transforming the static fixed work modes into dynamic adjustable parameters. This enables the system to adapt to different attachment requirements (hammering, sheering, thumbing, etc.) by continuously optimizing the dual parameters rather than being constrained to predetermined modes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control approach by modifying two key parameters simultaneously - engine speed (RPM) and hydraulic pump swash plate angle - rather than using fixed power settings. This dual parameter adjustment allows fine-tuning of power delivery to match specific attachment workload requirements, achieving versatility without requiring complete system redesign
2Productivity
If engine speed and swash plate angle are not fine-tuned, then the control system remains simple, but the excavator cannot run efficiently with different attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through automated control algorithms that manage the dual parameters (engine RPM and swash plate angle) based on operator input. The programmable controller automatically coordinates the adjustments of both parameters, reducing the burden on the operator while achieving fine-tuned efficiency for different attachments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates feedback mechanisms through display interfaces that show current engine RPM, swash plate angle, and selected work modes. This visual feedback allows operators to monitor and adjust parameters in real-time, ensuring optimal efficiency while maintaining ease of operation through informed control decisions
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard power settings are used, then the machine operates reliably with conventional modes, but it cannot meet the special power, control, and precision requirements of different attachments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal control system that can accommodate multiple attachment types (hammer, shear, thumb, rake, grapple, etc.) through a single dual-parameter adjustment mechanism. The programmable controller with selectable work modes provides multi-functionality, allowing the same excavator to reliably perform diverse tasks by optimizing engine RPM and swash plate angle for each specific attachment requirement
Data Source
AI summary
Dual control to optimize work modes for operator preference preferably includes a programmable controller, a control panel and a display interface. The control panel preferably includes an engine speed adjustment device, a swash plate angle adjustment device and a work mode on-off button. The display interface preferably includes a display of work modes, a display of attachment modes, a machine efficiency graphical display, an engine rpm graphical display, a swash plate angle display, an engine rpm dial display and a swash plate angle dial display. The dual control system may be automated by providing a tuning algorithm. The tuning algorithm saves commonly used engine rpm and swash plate angle settings for combinations of work mode and attachment settings in an algorithm database, which are manually set by an operator. The algorithm database offers the choice to override the manual settings through the work mode on-off button on the control panel.