Work Machine Hydraulic Diagnosis via Guided Sensor Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In work machines, installing diagnosis sensors at every point to measure hydraulic pressure is costly and impractical, especially for small and medium mass production models, due to the large number of components required and the difficulty in providing each sensor with a communication function.
Innovation Solution
A diagnosis support system that includes a display apparatus and a controller to specify the necessary sensor connection position for diagnosis, allowing for the accurate identification of failures with a minimal number of components by displaying position information and controlling the connection of diagnosis sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If diagnosis sensors are installed at every point to measure hydraulic pressure, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor installation process into two phases: (1) pre-installing a minimal number of sensors at strategically selected positions during manufacturing, and (2) using a sensor selection unit to determine the optimal subset of sensors to activate based on the specific abnormality being diagnosed. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement precision for multiple parameters while reducing the physical number of sensors installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes each installed sensor multi-functional by enabling it to serve multiple diagnostic purposes. The sensor selection unit dynamically assigns different sensors to different diagnostic tasks based on the suspected abnormality type, allowing a small set of sensors to perform the work of many dedicated sensors. For example, a single hydraulic pressure sensor can be used to diagnose different circuit abnormalities depending on which position it monitors.
2Reliability
If diagnosis sensors are installed at every point to measure hydraulic pressure, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by installing fewer sensors than the maximum possible number of measurement points. The sensor selection unit determines the minimal sufficient set of sensors needed for reliable diagnosis of specific abnormalities. This partial approach maintains diagnostic reliability for targeted failures while reducing the total quantity of sensors required, especially for small and medium production models.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of diagnosis sensors are installed, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting and pre-installing sensors at optimal positions during the manufacturing process, before the machine is deployed. The sensor selection unit pre-determines which sensors to install based on the specific model and expected diagnostic needs. This preliminary configuration simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex on-site sensor installation and calibration, while still achieving high measurement precision through strategic sensor placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller specifies a diagnosed portion to be diagnosed in a motor grader based on candidate information of an abnormality candidate in the motor grader, specifies a first sensor connection position of a diagnosis sensor for diagnosis of the diagnosed portion, and controls a display apparatus to display position information of the first sensor connection position.