Load Distribution Determination Using Hydraulic Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for mobile work machines struggle to accurately estimate and manage dynamically changing loads and forces, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential machine damage due to exceeding capacity or tilting issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a hydraulic sensor and electronic controller to measure and distribute hydraulic forces between the front and rear axles, determining external vertical forces and preventing tilting by comparing moments with a tilting force threshold, using a combination of hydraulic and directional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If load distribution is not accurately determined, then machine operation continues without intervention, but machine stability deteriorates and tilting may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical load measurement systems with a computational approach. The electronic controller calculates load distribution on front and rear axles by processing signals from existing sensors (hydraulic actuators, position sensors, speed sensors) rather than using direct mechanical force sensors. This substitution maintains machine stability through accurate load determination while avoiding the complexity of direct mechanical measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic controller acts as an intermediary that processes information from multiple sensors (hydraulic pressure, position, speed) and synthesizes this data to determine load distribution. Rather than directly measuring axle loads, the system uses these intermediary sensor readings to calculate the actual load distribution, preventing tilting while maintaining system simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If hydraulic force measurement is implemented, then load estimation accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuators serve multiple functions: they perform the primary work of moving the work implement and simultaneously provide load measurement data through their hydraulic force signals. The electronic controller multiplies the hydraulic force by the actuator mechanical advantage to determine implement force, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the machine's own operational parameters (hydraulic force, actuator position, machine speed) to self-determine load distribution without external measurement equipment. The electronic controller processes these self-generated signals to calculate axial loads and prevent tilting, making the system self-sufficient and avoiding additional complex sensing infrastructure.
3Reliability
If real-time load monitoring is added, then operational safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic controller continuously monitors hydraulic force, actuator position, and machine speed, then uses this feedback to calculate real-time load distribution on front and rear axles. When the load difference exceeds a threshold indicating potential tilting, the system can alert the operator or adjust machine operation. This feedback loop improves operational safety by using existing sensor data processed through computational algorithms, avoiding the need for complex additional safety equipment.
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 effectively estimates and manages load distribution, preventing machine tilting and improving operational efficiency by accurately calculating and adjusting forces applied to the machine's axles, thereby enhancing stability and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic sensor is operatively associated with the hydraulic actuator to measure a hydraulic force applied to the work implement
Implementation Method 2
The electronic controller is configured to determine an external vertical force that is applied to the work implement and that is based on the overall hydraulic force and the first directional force
Implementation Method 3
A powertrain is operatively associated with at least one of the front axle and the rear axle for generating and applying a first directional force to propel the machine over a work surface
Implementation Method 4
determine the distribution of the external vertical force between the front axle and the rear axle
Data Source
AI summary
A machine includes a frame supported on at least a first axle and a second axle and a work implement that is hydraulically powered to be displaced with respect to the frame. A powertrain disposed on the machine generates a first force for propelling the machine with respect to the ground. The machine can include an electronic controller that communicates with the powertrain and a hydraulic sensor on the hydraulic actuator. The controller is configured to determine the weight distribution directed through the front and rear axles of the machine based in part on the dynamic positioning of the work implement.