Work Machine Implement Cycle Time Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual cycle time testing of work machine implements using stopwatches introduces inaccuracies due to variations in operator timing and difficulty in diagnosing issues in field or test stand settings.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a controller and actuator to autonomously measure the cycle time of a work machine implement by sending instructions to move between defined positions, measuring time, and determining cycle time based on this measurement, with optional adjustments for hydraulic oil temperature, engine speed, and diagnostic checks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual stopwatch timing is used for cycle time testing, then the testing process is simple and requires minimal equipment, but measurement precision deteriorates due to operator timing variations and inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical stopwatch timing system with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors to detect implement positions and automatically records cycle time. The controller electronically timestamps when the implement passes threshold positions, eliminating manual timing operations and their associated human errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system performs self-measurement by automatically detecting implement position through sensors, recording timing data, and calculating cycle time without requiring external operator intervention for the actual measurement process. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the entire testing sequence.
2Measurement precision
If automated controller-based measurement is implemented, then measurement precision improves through consistent threshold position detection, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it sends movement instructions to the actuator, monitors implement position through sensors, records timing data, calculates cycle time, and displays results. By consolidating these functions into a single control system, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite adding automated measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the measurement function with the existing control system by integrating position sensors and timing logic into the controller that already manages implement movement. This merging approach avoids creating a separate dedicated measurement device, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
3Ease of operation
If operator manual timing is used, then ease of operation is maintained with minimal training required, but reliability deteriorates due to operator error and inconsistent testing procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operator timing with automated electronic detection and recording systems. Sensors objectively detect when the implement reaches threshold positions, and the controller automatically records timestamps, eliminating subjective human judgment and manual timing operations that cause variability and error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors implement position through sensors and provides real-time feedback to the controller, which automatically adjusts timing records based on actual measured positions. This closed-loop feedback ensures accurate and reliable measurement without requiring operator interpretation or manual adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a cycle time of an implement on a work machine includes providing a controller and an actuator for controlling the implement, sending a first instruction from the controller to move the implement to a first position, and sending a second instruction from the controller to move the implement from the first position to a second position. A distance between the first position and the second position is an approximate full stroke of the actuator. The method also includes measuring an amount of time it takes for the implement to move between a first threshold position and a second threshold position. The first threshold position and the second threshold position are defined positions between the first and second positions. The method further includes determining the cycle time of the implement based on the measuring step.