Forestry Boom Control Using Extension-First Load Recovery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Forestry machines face challenges in efficiently handling loads that exceed their lifting capacity, requiring manual operator intervention to adjust boom assemblies, which slows down operations and reduces productivity.
Innovation Solution
A control system for boom assemblies in forestry vehicles that uses a position sensor to automatically adjust the extension boom first when nearing its limit, and switches to controlling all booms in parallel once the limit is reached, optimizing lifting force and reducing operator workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the boom assembly is used to lift heavy loads requiring more lifting capacity than available, then the lifting torque exceeds the lifting moment, but the boom assembly provides only limited, slow or no movement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the boom assembly configuration by automatically moving booms based on real-time position sensor feedback. When the extension boom approaches its limit, the system automatically repositions other booms to optimize the lifting moment, enabling the system to adapt its mechanical advantage dynamically during operation
Solution Approach 2:
Position sensors continuously monitor the extension boom position and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit uses this feedback to calculate the current lifting moment and automatically adjust boom positions to maintain optimal lifting capacity, preventing the system from entering a state where lifting torque exceeds available moment
2Force
If the operator manually adjusts boom positions to restore lifting force, then the lifting moment is sufficient, but the operator workload increases and operations slow down
Solution Approach 1:
The boom assembly control system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring its own position through sensors and autonomously repositioning booms to maintain optimal lifting moment. This eliminates the need for continuous manual operator intervention to assess and adjust boom positions, allowing the system to serve itself in maintaining operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical adjustment process is replaced with an automated control system that uses position sensors and electronic control units to monitor and adjust boom positions. This substitution of manual mechanical operation with automated sensor-based control reduces operator workload while maintaining lifting force
3Length of moving object
If the extension boom is positioned beyond a predetermined extension limit, then the lifting torque is reduced, but the operator must manually move single booms to restore lifting moment
Solution Approach 1:
The control system takes preliminary action by automatically detecting when the extension boom approaches its extension limit through position sensor feedback. Before the operator would need to manually intervene, the system proactively repositions other booms to maintain optimal lifting moment, preventing productivity loss before it occurs
Solution Approach 2:
Position sensors provide continuous feedback on extension boom position to the control unit. When the boom approaches the predetermined extension limit, the feedback mechanism triggers automatic adjustment of other booms, ensuring the lifting moment remains sufficient and eliminating the need for manual operator intervention
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Automated control of boom assemblies enhances operational efficiency by maintaining lifting force and reducing manual adjustments, thereby increasing productivity and workflow.
Implementation Method 1
The boom assembly comprising a position sensor to measure the position of the extension boom
Implementation Method 2
The boom assembly is controlled by hydraulic actuators that are driven by hydraulic pressure from one or more pumps
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a boom assembly, the boom assembly being adapted for use on a forestry vehicle, the boom assembly comprising at least two booms, which are movably connected to each other and the vehicle, the boom assembly being controlled by hydraulic power, further comprising an extension boom, which comprises a free end of the boom assembly and a boom tip, the extension boom being linearly movable, the boom assembly comprising a position sensor to measure the position of the extension boom, a control unit, adapted to transfer operator commands to control the boom assembly, adapted to receive and calculate the position data from the extension boom, wherein, when the operator issues a command to bring the boom tip closer to the vehicle, in case the extension boom is positioned beyond a predetermined extension limit, the control unit will solely first control the extension boom.