Excavator Clamp Implement Motion Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controlling a clamp implement and a bucket implement simultaneously on power machines, such as excavators, is difficult for operators, leading to potential crushing or dropping of objects due to the complexity of coordinating their movements.
Innovation Solution
A control system that allows the clamp implement to automatically follow the motion of the bucket implement in a selected mode of operation, using a controller and actuator system that receives input signals from operator devices to control the orientation and movement of both implements, ensuring coordinated movement and ease of use during material handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator manually controls both the clamp implement and bucket implement simultaneously, then the operator has full control over both implements, but the operation becomes difficult and objects may be inadvertently crushed or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp implement automatically follows the motion of the bucket implement without requiring separate manual control from the operator. The system serves itself by using the bucket's motion as input to drive the clamp's motion, eliminating the need for the operator to independently coordinate both implements while maintaining synchronized operation
Solution Approach 2:
The control system merges the control of two separate implements (bucket and clamp) into a single coordinated operation. By linking the clamp's motion to the bucket's motion through the controller and actuators, the system combines what were previously two independent control tasks into one unified operation, reducing operator burden while maintaining safety
2Ease of operation
If the clamp implement automatically follows the bucket implement, then the ease of operation is improved and object handling safety is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to the control system and actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors the motion of the bucket implement, processes the motion data, and automatically controls the clamp implement's motion in response. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated systems into a single versatile control unit, improving ease of operation while limiting the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
A clamp implement (220) and a control system (300) for controlling the clamp implement such that the clamp implement can be caused to follow motion of a bucket (112) or other primary implement in a selected mode of operation. In another mode of operation, the claim implement can be caused to move independently of the primary implement.