Implement Controller Pairing for Hydraulic Flow and Speed Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power machines and implements often face inefficiencies and potential damage due to mismatched operational characteristics, such as hydraulic flow rates and travel speeds, when coupled together, leading to suboptimal performance or damage.
Innovation Solution
Implement and machine controllers communicate to exchange information about operational characteristics, allowing the implement controller to direct the power machine's operation for optimal performance and prevent misuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If implements are designed to work with a variety of different power machine models or types, then versatility is improved, but performance optimization deteriorates because the implement may not receive the specific power level or operational characteristics it requires
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts implement operation based on real-time detection of power machine characteristics. The controller adjusts implement functions according to the detected power machine type, transitioning from a static universal design to a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes performance for each specific power machine-implement pairing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the implement controller detects power machine identification and operational characteristics, then uses this information to adjust implement operation. This closed-loop feedback ensures the implement receives appropriate power levels and operational parameters matched to its specific requirements.
2Power
If power machines supply increased flow rate of pressurized hydraulic fluid to high flow implements, then implement power capability is improved, but implement safety deteriorates because certain implements may be damaged when exposed to high flow
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of power machine characteristics before implementing hydraulic flow adjustments. By detecting the power machine type and capabilities in advance, the system can pre-calculate appropriate flow rate limits and protective parameters, preventing damage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The implement controller acts as an intermediary between the power machine's hydraulic system and the implement. It mediates the hydraulic flow by detecting power machine characteristics and adjusting flow rates to appropriate levels, protecting the implement from excessive flow while still delivering necessary power.
3Productivity
If implements are operated at high travel speeds, then productivity is improved, but implement reliability deteriorates because implements may not function properly or may be damaged when exposed to speeds above their design parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects power machine travel speed capabilities in advance and pre-establishes appropriate speed limits for implement operation. This preliminary action allows the system to configure protective parameters before high-speed operation begins, preventing damage while maximizing productive speed within safe limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors travel speed and provides feedback to adjust implement operation accordingly. When the detected speed approaches or exceeds safe operating parameters for the specific implement-power machine pairing, the system automatically adjusts implement functions to maintain reliability while allowing maximum safe productivity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are work implements (190; 300), power machines (100; 200) and methods (500; 600; 700) of operating implements and power machines using machine and implement controllers (250: 350). An implement controller (350) receives information from a power machine with which the work implement is paired indicative of operational characteristics of the power machine. The implement controller is configured to responsively provide information to the power machine to direct operation of the power machine based upon the received information.