Motor Grader Blade Rotation Control via Articulation and Steering Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual control of motor grader blade rotation angles is inefficient, time-consuming, and requires skilled operators, leading to inaccuracies and increased operational costs due to the need for multiple trials to achieve desired results in earthmoving tasks.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically controlling the rotation angle of a motor grader blade using sensors associated with the blade, wheels, and frames, coupled with a controller that determines the current position, wheel steering angle, and articulation angle to precisely adjust the blade's position based on these inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control of blade rotation angle is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but control accuracy and efficiency deteriorate due to operator skill requirements and multiple trials needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation by automatically controlling the blade rotation angle based on sensor inputs and pre-programmed parameters. The automated control system eliminates the need for operator intervention in angle adjustments, allowing the equipment to self-regulate the blade position based on real-time operational data, thereby improving accuracy without increasing operator skill requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. The system substitutes human-operated mechanical adjustments with electronic sensing and automated actuation, where sensors detect blade position and the controller automatically adjusts rotation angles, eliminating the dependency on operator skill while maintaining precision
2Productivity
If manual adjustment of multiple control input devices is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations and operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring blade position, rotation angle, and operational parameters through sensors. The controller receives real-time data from sensors, compares actual blade position with desired position, and automatically adjusts the blade rotation angle to achieve the target configuration. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for multiple trial adjustments, significantly reducing time loss and improving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of multiple control devices with an automated electronic control system. The system uses sensors to detect operational parameters and automatically actuates the blade control mechanisms, eliminating the need for operators to manually manipulate multiple controls. This substitution reduces operator fatigue and accelerates the earthmoving process by eliminating repetitive manual adjustments
3Measurement precision
If automated control system with multiple sensors is implemented, then control accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system achieves multi-functionality by using a single integrated controller that processes data from multiple sensors and manages various blade control functions. The controller serves multiple purposes: detecting blade position, calculating optimal rotation angles, actuating control mechanisms, and monitoring operational parameters. This universal approach consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into one integrated unit, improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity
4Productivity
If automated blade control is implemented, then operational cost efficiency improves, but initial system cost increases due to sensor and controller components
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system operates autonomously without requiring specialized operator skills or extensive training. The system self-regulates blade position and rotation angle based on sensor inputs and pre-programmed parameters, eliminating the need for highly skilled operators. This self-service capability reduces operational costs by allowing less specialized personnel to operate the equipment effectively, offsetting the initial system implementation cost
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes, in one aspect, a system and method for controlling a rotation angle of a blade of a motor grader having a front frame operatively coupled to a rear frame at a point defining an articulation angle between the front and rear frames. The control system includes at least one sensor operatively associated with the blade, at least one sensor operatively associated with a wheel, at least one sensor operatively associated with at least one of the front frame or the rear frame, and a controller operatively coupled to the at least one sensors. The controller is adapted to determine a current position of the blade, determine a wheel steering angle, determine an articulation angle, and control the rotation angle of the blade based in part on the wheel steering angle and the articulation angle.