Forest Machine Crane Control System for Driver Workload Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling forest machine cranes require manual operation of multiple controllers and control functions, leading to driver fatigue and increased risk of accidents during routine operations, especially in demanding logging conditions where obstacles may change.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows crane operations to be controlled using a single controller for extended periods, maintaining the primary function without changing the mode of the actuator, enabling semi-automatic control without the need for new controllers, and allowing the driver to remain in control, with the option to interrupt operations quickly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual control of multiple controllers and actuators is used for crane operations, then the driver remains in full control and can respond to changing conditions, but the driver workload increases and fatigue sets in during routine operations
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into automatic and manual modes. The automatic control handles routine operations by controlling the actuators based on controller positions, while the manual mode allows direct driver control. This segmentation allows the system to switch between automation and human control based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning the crane and tool according to stored operation data before actual work begins. The control system already has the desired positions and paths prepared, so when automatic mode is activated, the actuators can execute the movements without requiring continuous driver input for each motion.
2Ease of operation
If full automation is implemented for crane movements, then driver workload is reduced, but the driver loses direct control and cannot quickly respond to obstacles or changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is dynamic in nature, allowing the driver to switch between automatic and manual control modes as needed. The system can transition from automated routine operations to manual control when the driver needs to respond to changing conditions, providing adaptability while maintaining ease of operation for routine tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic control system serves itself by using feedback from controller positions to automatically control the actuators. Once the driver positions the controllers, the system takes over the actual movement execution, reducing the need for continuous driver intervention during routine operations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate controllers are used for different crane functions, then precise control of each actuator is achieved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system provides multi-functionality by allowing the same controllers to serve dual purposes: their positions are used for both manual control input and as feedback signals for automatic control. This universal usage of controllers reduces the need for separate control devices while maintaining precise actuator control through the automatic mode.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for controlling the crane (20) of a forest machine (10), in which method the crane (20) of the forest machine (10) and at least one function other than that for moving the crane (20) are controlled by control functions actuated by controllers (70, 71, 80, 81) in the forest machine (10). In the method according to the invention, maintaining the control function controlling primarily another function than moving the crane (20) for a time longer than a given threshold time will activate an operation in which the crane head (24) will move from a first location (A1; B1) to a second location (A2; B2), or there between, along a predetermined travel path (S1; S2), if said control function has a duration shorter than the time taken by the crane head (24) for moving from the first location (A1; B1) to the second location (A2; B2) but longer than said threshold time. The invention also relates to a system for implementing the method according to the invention in a forest machine.