Excavator Down-Force Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling downward force on work tools of excavators and backhoes are inaccurate and do not account for variations in operator input or tool type, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and control system that uses sensors and actuators to monitor and adjust downward forces on work tools, maintaining a target force within an acceptable range while ensuring proper orientation, thereby preventing damage and improving job quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If downward force is increased to improve work quality, then work quality improves, but equipment damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors downward force using sensors and provides feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts the articulating arms to maintain force within the acceptable range, preventing both insufficient work quality and excessive force that could damage equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the downward force parameter by adjusting the position of articulating arms based on real-time sensor data, maintaining force within an acceptable range that ensures work quality while preventing equipment damage
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual control of downward force is used to adapt to different tools and conditions, then adaptability improves, but operator workload and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment of downward force automatically using sensors and actuators controlled by the electronic controller, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention to maintain force within acceptable ranges while adapting to different work tools and conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop feedback system automatically detects downward force levels and adjusts articulating arm positions to maintain force within acceptable ranges, providing adaptability to different tools while reducing operator control difficulty
3Manufacturing precision
If automated down-force control is implemented to maintain target force, then work quality consistency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller performs multiple functions including receiving operator input, calculating target downward force, monitoring sensor data, and adjusting articulating arms, consolidating complexity into a single multi-functional control system that ensures work quality consistency
4Object-affected harmful factors
If downward force is not controlled to prevent dry-fire conditions, then equipment protection improves, but operational interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively adjusts downward force before dry-fire conditions can occur by continuously monitoring force levels and preemptively modifying articulating arm positions to maintain force within acceptable ranges, protecting equipment while preventing operational interruptions
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine, such as an excavator or a backhoe, has a linkage of articulating arms for maneuvering a changeable work tool. Position and motion sensors and force sensors within the linkage provide data for a controller to determine a location of the work tool and down force applied from the linkage onto the work tool during a job. Before performing a grading operation, an operator may request level control for the work tool at a benchmark orientation and down-force control at a target down force. After a controller applies the target down force with the work tool at the benchmark orientation, an operator may traverse the work tool along a path radial to the work machine. While maintaining the benchmark orientation for the work tool, the controller may adjust one or more forces on the linkage to also maintain the target down force during the traversal of the work tool, leading to simpler functionality for the operator and higher quality work product.