Motor Grader 3D Grade Control Without Masts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blade-mounted three-dimensional (3D) grade control systems for construction machines face limitations such as reduced blade placement range, increased risk of theft, and potential damage due to mast installation, and require manual removal of components at the end of each work shift.
Innovation Solution
The integration of rotation sensors (inertial measurement units) and a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver with the construction machine to establish blade positions within a world space, allowing for grade control without masts, enabling a wider range of blade placements and reducing operational risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If blade-mounted 3D grade control systems are used, then grade control precision is improved, but blade placement range is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grade control system components (masts, sensors) from the blade mounting location and relocates them to the cab or other non-interfering positions. This allows the blade to move freely across the full range of positions without carrying sensitive equipment, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining measurement precision and expanding blade placement versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as extended masts or alternative sensor mounting structures that serve as mediators between the blade and the grade control system. These intermediaries allow the blade to operate in a wider range of positions while the sensor system maintains its precision measurement capabilities through the intermediary connection.
2Measurement precision
If masts are installed for 3D grade control, then measurement precision is improved, but risk of damage and theft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the vulnerable mast components from the blade assembly and relocates them to protected positions within the cab or on the machine body. This extraction eliminates the exposure of sensitive equipment to damage from blade operations and reduces theft risk, while maintaining measurement precision through alternative mounting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the grade control sensor system into existing machine structures that serve multiple functions. By mounting sensors on the cab or body rather than dedicated masts, the system achieves measurement precision while utilizing structures already present for other purposes, thereby reducing the attack surface for damage and theft.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual removal of components is required, then maintenance access is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the grade control system components into permanent machine structures that serve multiple functions. The cab-mounted or body-mounted sensors and processing equipment can be accessed during routine maintenance operations without requiring component removal, thereby maintaining ease of maintenance while eliminating productivity losses from manual removal and reinstallation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the grade control system with the machine's existing structural and maintenance frameworks. By combining the sensor system with cab or body structures that are already part of the maintenance routine, the system eliminates separate removal procedures while maintaining accessibility during scheduled maintenance, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintenance ease and operational productivity.
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
This solution provides enhanced precision and flexibility in grading operations, reduces the risk of damage and theft, and eliminates the need for manual removal of components at the end of each shift, improving overall efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a front GNSS receiver mounted to the body and configured to detect a geospatial position of the body within a world space
Implementation Method 2
a body angle sensor configured to detect body angle data corresponding to movement of the body
Implementation Method 3
a drawbar angle sensor configured to detect drawbar angle data corresponding to movement of the drawbar
Implementation Method 4
a blade angle sensor configured to detect blade angle data corresponding to movement of the blade
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing grade control on a motor grader without the use of masts attached to the blade. Embodiments include a body angle sensor configured to detect movement of a construction machine's body, a front GNSS receiver configured to detect a geospatial position of the construction machine's body within a world space, a drawbar angle sensor configured to detect movement of the construction machine's drawbar, and a blade angle sensor configured to detect movement of the construction machine's blade. Two positions on the blade may be calculated first within a machine space and subsequently within the world space. Movement of at least one articulating connection may be caused based on the blade positions within the world space.