Grade Control for Work Vehicle Attachments in Operating and Dump Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual control methods for maintaining grade control in work vehicles, such as skid steers and compact track loaders, are inefficient and lack precision in both operating and dump positions.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle system comprising a frame, ground engaging devices, a boom assembly, boom and tilt cylinders, position sensors, an attachment coupler, and a grade control system that receives operator input to maintain a cutting edge on a defined cutting plane in both operating and dump positions, utilizing hydraulic and sensor technologies for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control methods are used for maintaining grade control, then the system is simple to operate, but the precision and efficiency of grade control in both operating and dump positions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic feedback control by using sensors to detect the actual position of the cutting edge and comparing it with the desired grade plane. The controller automatically adjusts the boom and tilt cylinder actuation based on this feedback, eliminating manual control errors and improving grade control precision without requiring complex manual coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, a controller, and hydraulic actuators. This substitution eliminates the need for manual coordination while achieving precise grade control in both operating and dump positions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
2Productivity
If manual control methods are used for maintaining grade control, then the device complexity is low, but the operational efficiency and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically maintain grade control without continuous manual intervention. The automatic grade control system monitors and adjusts the attachment position autonomously, allowing the operator to focus on other tasks and significantly improving operational efficiency while the system handles the precise positioning automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces inefficient manual control operations with an automated electronic-hydraulic control system. This substitution eliminates manual errors and speeds up the response time for grade adjustments, thereby improving productivity despite the increased complexity of the control system.
3Reliability
If manual control methods are used, then the system is easier to manufacture, but the reliability and consistency of grade control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous feedback from position sensors to the controller to maintain consistent grade control. This feedback mechanism ensures that the cutting edge remains on the desired grade plane regardless of changes in terrain or vehicle position, providing reliable and consistent performance that manual control cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces unreliable manual control with a consistent automated control system that eliminates human error. While this increases manufacturing complexity, it ensures reliable and consistent grade control performance across all operating conditions.
4Measurement precision
If automatic grade control is implemented for both operating and dump positions, then the measurement precision and control accuracy improves, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal automatic grade control system that functions in both operating and dump positions using the same sensors, controller, and hydraulic actuators. This multi-functional approach achieves high precision in both modes without requiring separate control systems, thereby reducing overall complexity compared to having separate manual control systems for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual coordination requirements with a unified automated control system that handles both operating and dump positions. This substitution simplifies the operator's task while maintaining high precision through electronic control, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
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
Enables precise and automatic maintenance of the cutting edge on a defined plane in both operating and dump positions, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing manual errors.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic system is fluidly coupled to the boom cylinder and the tilt cylinder
Implementation Method 2
A boom position sensor is coupled to at least one of the frame, the boom assembly, and the boom cylinder and configured to transmit a boom position signal indicative of a position of the boom assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle is disclosed. The work vehicle comprises an attachment comprising a cutting edge. The attachment is configured to move from an operating position to a dump position. An operator input device is configured to receive a grade command. A grade control system is communicatively coupled to an operator input device and configured to receive the grade command and define a cutting plane. A controller is configured to receive a boom position signal, an attachment position signal, and the grade command. The controller is configured to maintain the cutting edge on the cutting plane in both the operating position and the dump position.