Implement Carrier Auto-Coupling Using Sensor-Guided Position Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The manual alignment and coupling of implements to implement carriers on power machines require multiple operational steps by the operator, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of sensors to identify the positions of the power machine and the implement, coupled with a control system that automatically guides and controls the power machine to align and couple the implement to the carrier using traction, lift, and tilt actuators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual operational steps are used for coupling implements to implement carriers, then the coupling process can be completed with simple equipment, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling speedVSAvoidautomation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power machine automatically performs the coupling operation without operator intervention. The control system autonomously guides the power machine to the implement, positions the implement carrier, and secures the implement using sensors and automated control of actuators, eliminating manual operational steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect positions and a controller to coordinate actuators. This substitution of mechanical manual control with automated electro-hydraulic control system increases coupling speed while managing complexity through integrated control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of time

If automated coupling is implemented, then the coupling time is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to sensors and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling timeVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses sensors to continuously detect the position of the power machine and implement, providing feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustments during the coupling process, achieving rapid and precise automated coupling while managing system complexity through intelligent control algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If precise positioning is required for automatic coupling, then coupling accuracy is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring positions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling precisionVSAvoidposition detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that facilitate position detection between the power machine and implement. These sensors act as mediators that convert physical position information into detectable signals, enabling the control system to achieve precise positioning and coupling by overcoming the difficulty of direct position measurement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12618219B2Automated coupling of an implement to an implement carrier of a power machine

Publication Date: 2026.05.05 DOOSAN BOBCAT NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Disclosed embodiments include power machine, control systems for power machines, and methods of controlling a power machine to automatically couple an implement to an implement carrier of the power machine. Sensors are used to identify positions of a power machine and of an implement, such as a bucket, to be coupled to the implement carrier of the power machine. Control methods are implemented to allow the power machine to be automatically controlled to couple the implement to the implement.