Excavator Implement Teeth Grading Offset Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing excavator technologies face challenges in accurately determining and adjusting the grading offset of implement teeth to efficiently grade terrains, which can lead to inefficiencies and increased risk of human error in achieving precise target elevations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a control architecture with linkage assembly actuators and controllers that determine a variable implement offset angle and new target design elevation based on the difference between the current and target implement angles, tooth height, and active raking ratio, allowing the excavator to adjust its grading position dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual grading offset determination is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but measurement precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the grading offset by having the implement 'self-measure' its own position relative to the design grade using sensors and processors, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated feedback control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to determine grading offset, thereby improving measurement precision while the self-service aspect keeps the overall system complexity manageable
2Productivity
If traditional grading methods are used, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but productivity and processing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual implement position using sensors and compares it to the target design grade, automatically adjusting the grading offset in real-time based on the difference, which improves productivity by eliminating manual intervention while keeping complexity manageable through standardized feedback control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The control architecture pre-calculates the optimal grading offset based on stored tooth height and raking ratio parameters before grading operations begin, allowing the system to quickly adapt to different terrain conditions without real-time computation delays, thereby improving productivity while maintaining reasonable system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed grading offset is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates when terrain conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the grading offset in real-time based on changing terrain conditions by continuously monitoring actual versus target elevation and automatically modifying the implement position, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation through automated control that eliminates the need for manual recalibration
Data Source
AI summary
An earthmoving machine comprises an implement. The implement defines a variable implement angle θBucket(t) indicative of a current position of the implement relative to horizontal as a function of time t. The implement comprises teeth extending a tooth height h and defining an active raking ratio r. Controllers are programmed to execute an implement teeth grading offset determination process that comprises determining a variable implement offset angle θDelta(t) at least partially based on a difference between an original target design angle θTgt(t) and the variable implement angle θBucket(t), determining an implement offset IO based on h, r, and θDelta(t), and determining a new target design elevation ElvTgt,New(t) based on IO and an original target design elevation ElvTgt,Orig(t).