Implement Carrier Position Sensing for Accurate Tool Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in accurately determining when an implement is properly coupled to an implement carrier on power machines, often due to misalignment during the coupling process.
Innovation Solution
An implement sensing system is employed to detect the position of an implement relative to an implement carrier using multiple sensors, providing indications to a control system to ensure proper coupling, including detection of engagement features, locking mechanisms, and the state of locking handles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect implement position, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple independent sensor units, each responsible for detecting specific positions (engagement feature position, locking mechanism position, locking handle state). This segmentation allows precise measurement of different critical points separately, improving overall measurement precision while keeping each sensor relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that receives signals from multiple sensors and processes them to determine coupling status. This intermediary approach allows the system to integrate information from multiple simple sensors to achieve complex measurement precision without requiring each sensor to be overly complex.
2Reliability
If sensor detection is used to monitor coupling status, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system provides continuous feedback to the control system about implement position, engagement feature alignment, locking mechanism status, and locking handle state. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable coupling status detection by constantly monitoring critical parameters and allowing the control system to make informed decisions about coupling validity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors mounted on the implement carrier itself to detect the presence and position of the implement. The implement's own features (engagement features, locking mechanisms) serve as the detection targets, allowing the system to self-monitor coupling status without requiring external complex monitoring equipment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Power machines (100; 200; 300) with implement carriers (170; 270; 370; 400; 400-1) that can sense the proximity of an implement (456) to the implement carrier with a plurality of sensors (424; 426). Such sensing is indicative of the likelihood of an implement being positioned adjacent to the implement carrier. In some embodiments, a sensor (466; 474; 476) detects whether a locking mechanism is activated.