Ground Pressure Distribution Measurement in Tracked Work Machines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile machines like crawler cranes and excavators face safety issues due to the inability to accurately determine and manage ground pressure, leading to potential damage from exceeding permissible pressure limits.
Innovation Solution
A chain drive system equipped with a measuring sensor system that monitors forces at multiple running wheels, allowing for precise determination of ground pressure distribution and real-time measurement, integrated with a control system to prevent exceeding permissible pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple measuring sensors are installed on running wheels to determine ground pressure distribution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ground pressure measurement system is segmented by installing individual measuring sensors on separate running wheels (first, second, and third running wheels). Each sensor independently measures the force transmitted through its respective wheel, allowing the overall ground pressure distribution to be reconstructed by combining these segmented measurements. This segmentation enables precise spatial distribution of pressure without requiring a single complex measurement system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple measuring sensors installed on different running wheels are merged into a unified evaluation system. The forces measured by each individual sensor (first wheel, second wheel, third wheel) are combined through evaluation logic to determine the complete ground pressure distribution pattern. This merging approach allows the system to achieve comprehensive measurement capability while maintaining the simplicity of individual sensor units.
2Reliability
If real-time force measurement at multiple wheel positions is implemented, then safety is improved through accurate ground pressure monitoring, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring sensors provide real-time feedback on the forces transmitted through each running wheel to the control system. This feedback enables continuous monitoring of ground pressure conditions, allowing the system to detect when permissible pressure limits are approached or exceeded. The feedback mechanism supports safety by enabling real-time adjustments or operational restrictions to prevent ground pressure damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement of forces at multiple wheel positions before potential damage can occur. By continuously monitoring the ground pressure distribution in advance, the system can identify trends and conditions that may lead to exceeding permissible pressure limits, allowing preventive actions to be taken before actual damage occurs.
3Device complexity
If estimation methods based on load data are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to safety incidents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect estimation methods (which relied on load data and complex calculations) with direct mechanical measurement using force sensors installed on the running wheels. This substitution eliminates the need for complex estimation algorithms and provides direct, accurate measurement of the forces transmitted through the track system, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the device complexity manageable through simple sensor units.
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
Enhances safety by providing accurate and real-time ground pressure data, enabling effective load moment limitation and preventing damage from excessive pressure.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for each of the outer running wheels adjoining the drive wheel and the idler wheel and at least one further running wheel arranged between the outer running wheels, by means of which the force introduced into the crawler chain via the respective running wheel can be determined
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~6c
AI summary
A tracked drive assembly for a work machine comprises a crawler frame, a crawler track, a drive wheel and a guide wheel, and an arrangement of running wheels coupled to the crawler frame, wherein the tracked drive assembly has a sensor system comprising a sensor for each of the outer running wheels of the running wheel arrangement, which are positioned or located adjacent to the drive wheel and the guide wheel, and at least one other running wheel which is arranged between the outer running wheels, wherein the force introduced into the crawler track via the respective running wheel can be determined by way of the sensor. A method for determining the ground pressure distribution below a work machine includes exposing the sensor to a compressive load at a running wheel.