Hydraulic Attachment Control Using Center-of-Gravity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling the movement of work vehicle attachments do not account for the specific properties of the attachment being used, leading to undesirable stress on the system due to inconsistent fluid flow rates, which can vary with different attachments, affecting speed and acceleration.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic circuit system that adjusts fluid flow rates based on properties such as mass and center of gravity of the attachment, using sensors and an electrical control system to control the movement and reduce stress by maintaining flow rates below a threshold, ensuring optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid flow rate is increased to improve attachment movement speed, then productivity increases, but stress on the attachment and work vehicle increases beyond safe thresholds
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the fluid flow rate based on real-time feedback from sensors monitoring attachment properties (mass, center of gravity) and operational parameters. The control system continuously modifies hydraulic pump output to maintain optimal speed while preventing excessive stress, transforming a static flow rate into a dynamic, adaptive parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where sensors detect attachment properties and operational conditions, transmit this data to the control system, which then adjusts the fluid flow rate accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that productivity gains are achieved while automatically preventing stress from exceeding safe thresholds for the specific attachment being used.
2Stress or pressure
If fluid flow rate is decreased to reduce stress on the attachment, then stress decreases, but attachment movement speed and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the fluid flow rate parameter dynamically based on attachment-specific parameters (mass, center of gravity) and operational conditions. Rather than using a fixed conservative flow rate that limits productivity, the system adjusts the flow rate parameter to match the capabilities of each specific attachment, maximizing speed while maintaining stress within safe limits for that particular attachment configuration.
3Device complexity
If a fixed fluid flow rate is used for all attachments, then system complexity is reduced, but stress control precision deteriorates due to varying attachment properties
Solution Approach 1:
The control system automatically adapts to different attachments by reading their properties from sensors and databases without requiring manual intervention or complex programming. The system serves itself by autonomously determining the appropriate fluid flow rate based on attachment characteristics, eliminating the need for operators to manually configure settings for each attachment type while maintaining precise stress control.
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 allows for controlled movement of attachments based on their specific properties, reducing stress and improving system operation by maintaining fluid flow rates within safe thresholds, enhancing the efficiency and safety of attachment operations.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump configured to circulate a flow of fluid (e.g., hydraulic oil) through respective hydraulic circuit(s) of the attachment
Implementation Method 2
The flow of fluid may cause movement of the attachment (e.g., relative to the work vehicle)
Data Source
AI summary
A system has a hydraulic circuit configured to control a position of an attachment of the system and a control system configured to perform operations that include receiving an input indicative of a center of gravity of the attachment and controlling a flow rate of fluid directed through the hydraulic circuit based on the center of gravity.