Excavator Brake Release Timing for Boom and Arm Position Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brake control systems in excavators fail to consider the torque due to the self-weight of working apparatuses, leading to unintended falling and sagging during brake release.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlling excavator brakes by determining a standby torque value and comparing it with the motor torque value to set an appropriate brake release timing, using apparatus status information including weight and position data to prevent unwanted movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the brake is released before the motor torque value reaches the standby torque value, then the brake release timing is early and operation is smooth, but the working apparatus falls and sags due to insufficient torque to support self-weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrake release timingVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device calculates the standby torque value in advance based on apparatus status information (weight and position) before brake release. This preliminary calculation allows the system to determine the exact torque threshold needed to support the working apparatus self-weight, ensuring the brake is released at the precise moment when motor torque equals standby torque, preventing falling and sagging while enabling smooth operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the brake release timing is delayed until motor torque exceeds standby torque, then position stability is maintained, but operation efficiency and responsiveness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidoperation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device continuously monitors the motor torque value and compares it with the pre-calculated standby torque value. When the motor torque value reaches or exceeds the standby torque value, the control device immediately triggers brake release. This real-time feedback mechanism ensures position stability is maintained while enabling rapid and efficient operation response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the brake control system does not consider torque due to self-weight, then the control system is simple, but unintended falling and sagging of working apparatus occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidposition control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control device performs preliminary calculation of the standby torque value based on apparatus status information (weight and position of boom, arm, and bucket) before brake release. This advance preparation allows the simple control system to incorporate self-weight torque considerations without adding complex hardware, ensuring accurate position control and preventing falling and sagging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4656808A1Method and device for controlling brake included in excavator
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 VOLVO CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AB
  • EP4656808A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4656808A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4656808A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

According to an embodiment, disclosed are obtaining apparatus status information including weight information and position information for one or more working apparatuses including at least one of a boom, an arm, and a bucket included in the excavator; obtaining a demand for controlling an electric motor that provides power to movement of one or more working apparatuses; determining a motor torque value for the electric motor as the demand is obtained; determining a standby torque value required for the one or more working apparatuses to maintain current position state by using the apparatus status information; determining a brake release timing for releasing the brake that restricts the movement of the one or more working apparatuses based on a comparison result of the motor torque value and the standby torque value; and a method for controlling the one or more working apparatuses according to the demand by releasing the brake based on the brake release timing, and a device and a recording medium for practicing the method.