Ground Pressure Control for Mobile Working Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to effectively compare the current load-bearing capacity of the ground with the ground pressure generated by a ramming and/or drilling device, particularly for machines with no support feet, leading to a risk of tipping over due to yielding ground conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method that determines the maximum permissible ground pressure through manual input or automatic measurement, calculates the actual ground pressure using sensors and a calculation model, and provides feedback to the operator to prevent exceeding this limit, using visual cues like color displays or percentage feedback to indicate permissible or impermissible loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the machine operates with high mast configuration to increase working reach, then productivity is improved, but the risk of tipping over due to ground yielding increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking reachVSAvoidtipping risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary assessment of ground bearing capacity before the machine begins operation or enters critical loading states. Sensors continuously monitor ground conditions and predict potential yielding before it occurs, allowing preventive actions to be taken such as adjusting ballast or limiting operational parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring actual ground pressure through sensors and comparing it against the determined bearing capacity limit values. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of approaching critical states and triggers warnings or automatic protective measures to prevent tipping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If support legs are added to stabilize the machine on weak ground, then stability is improved, but the machine cannot be used in motion or for piling operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveground stabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical stabilization elements (support legs) with a computational and sensor-based monitoring system. Instead of physically modifying the machine to add support structures, the invention uses sensors, computational models, and control algorithms to detect and respond to ground stability issues, maintaining operational flexibility while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If the operator manually assesses subsurface conditions using geologists and measuring instruments, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of operation increases and real-time monitoring is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubsurface assessment accuracyVSAvoidoperational complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables the machine to autonomously determine its own operating limits by integrating sensors that directly measure ground response to the machine's presence and operation. The computational model automatically processes this data to determine bearing capacity, eliminating the need for external geologists or complex manual assessment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces computational models and sensor systems as intermediaries between the machine and the ground. Rather than requiring direct human assessment through complex geological instruments, the computational model acts as an intermediary that translates raw sensor data into meaningful bearing capacity determinations and limit values.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3268538B1Method of limiting the soil pressure of a constructing machine and constructing machine
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 LIEBHERR WERK NENZING
  • EP3268538B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3268538B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3268538B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating a mobile working machine with ground pressure limitation and to a corresponding working machine. A maximum allowable ground pressure is compared to the actual ground pressure.