Hydraulic Implement Down Force Control via Electronic Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulically actuated implement systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately controlling the down force of implements on substrates, leading to wear and tear on both the implement and substrate, especially during operations like waste transfer where scraping occurs, necessitating improved control strategies to reduce damage and enhance efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes an electronic control unit to adjust hydraulic fluid pressure in actuators, allowing for a controlled down force to be applied to the substrate, either less than or greater than the quiescent force, enabling precise positioning and reduced wear through automated control of lift and tilt actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of implement down force is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but wear and tear on implement and substrate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to detect implement position and substrate contact force, then automatically adjusts hydraulic actuator pressure to control down force. This substitution eliminates the need for manual manipulation while precisely controlling the harmful down force applied to the substrate, thereby reducing wear and tear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring implement position via sensors and adjusting hydraulic pressure in real-time based on detected contact force with the substrate. This closed-loop feedback mechanism automatically optimizes down force application, preventing excessive force that causes wear while maintaining operational effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If automated control of implement down force is implemented, then wear and tear is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is integrated into the existing hydraulic implement system, with the electronic control unit utilizing the same hydraulic actuators already present in the machinery. The system multi-functions by simultaneously controlling implement positioning and down force application through a single integrated control architecture, avoiding the need for separate dedicated control mechanisms and thereby limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit serves as an intermediary between the sensor input and hydraulic actuator output, translating sensor signals into appropriate hydraulic pressure adjustments. This intermediary control layer simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a centralized control point that coordinates between the sensing and actuation components, making the automated system more manageable despite added complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If down force control is applied, then substrate damage is minimized, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies only the necessary amount of down force required for effective substrate interaction, rather than maintaining constant maximum force. By adjusting hydraulic pressure to provide恰好 enough force for the task at hand, the system minimizes substrate damage while avoiding excessive energy consumption that would result from continuously applying high down force.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system periodically adjusts down force based on real-time sensor feedback rather than maintaining continuous constant force. This periodic adjustment allows the system to apply force only when and where needed for substrate interaction, reducing overall energy consumption while still preventing substrate damage through controlled force application during critical moments.
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
The system effectively reduces wear and tear on both the implement and substrate by allowing for controlled down force application, enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing damage during tasks like waste transfer by enabling precise positioning and traction control.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a pressure of hydraulic fluid in a hydraulic actuator for the linkage
Implementation Method 2
an electronic control unit configured to receive an implement down force control command, and responsively adjust a pressure of hydraulic fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A machine includes a frame having ground engaging propulsion elements coupled therewith, and a hydraulically actuated implement system having a linkage, an implement coupled with the linkage, and a hydraulic actuator coupled with the linkage. The machine further includes a control system having an electronic control unit configured to receive an implement down force control command, and responsively adjust a pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator such that the implement rests with controlled down force upon a substrate below the machine. The controlled down force may be less than a quiescent down force of the hydraulically actuated implement system. Related methodology is also disclosed.