Excavator Tool Coupling Control System with Rotation and Tilt Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of controlling excavator tools with additional hydraulic cylinders and mechanisms requires a system to monitor and manage the position and orientation of tools like excavator buckets for precise operation.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a rotation sensor, tilt sensor, and control unit to determine the position and orientation of bucket teeth, providing both manual and automatic control options by displaying the information to the operator and using it for semi-automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional hydraulic cylinders and mechanisms are added to enable tool rotation and tilting, then the operational versatility and positioning capability of the excavator tool is improved, but the control complexity and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through sensors that monitor the position and orientation of the tool relative to the excavator body. This feedback is processed by a control unit that automatically adjusts the hydraulic cylinders to achieve desired positioning, thereby reducing the operator's burden despite the increased number of actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the operator and the multiple hydraulic cylinders. This control unit processes positioning information and coordinates the actuation of multiple cylinders, simplifying the control interface while enabling complex tool positioning capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple hydraulic cylinders are used for tool rotation and tilting, then the positioning precision and orientation control of the tool is improved, but the number of components and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors provide continuous feedback on the tool's position and orientation, enabling precise control of multiple hydraulic cylinders. The control unit uses this feedback to coordinate cylinder actuation, achieving accurate tool positioning despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes positioning information from sensors, coordinates multiple hydraulic cylinders, and implements control algorithms. This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single control unit rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each cylinder.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the excavator operator manually controls multiple hydraulic mechanisms simultaneously, then the operational flexibility is maintained, but the ease of operation decreases due to control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback system automatically monitors tool position and orientation, reducing the operator's cognitive load. The operator issues high-level commands while the feedback-controlled system handles the complex coordination of multiple hydraulic cylinders, maintaining flexibility while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that translates the operator's simple commands into coordinated actuation of multiple hydraulic cylinders. This intermediary layer shields the operator from the complexity of controlling multiple mechanisms simultaneously while preserving operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a tool coupling of the type that attaches a tool to an excavator dipper stick and provides for rotation of the tool with respect to the dipper stick about an axis, and further provides for tilting of the tool, includes a rotation sensor and a tilt sensor. The rotation sensor is mounted on the coupling for determining the amount of rotation of the tool with respect to the dipper stick about an axis. The tilt sensor is mounted on the coupling for determining the amount of tilt of the tool with respect to gravity. A control is responsive to the rotation sensor and to the tilt sensor for determining the orientation of the tool.