Work Machine Implement Vertical Position Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the vertical position of a ground portion during ground modifying operations using work machines are not reliable or versatile, as they fail to accurately assess contact forces and positions, especially when levelling or moving materials.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes position determining means and force determining means to assess the vertical position of a work machine's implement by determining contact force values within a predetermined range, allowing for accurate positioning and levelling of ground portions, and calculating material volumes moved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If position determining means is used to determine the vertical position of the implement, then information on ground position can be obtained, but reliability is insufficient without contact force verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines position determining means (GPS, total station) with force determining means (load sensors) into an integrated system. The control unit processes both position data and contact force data together to determine ground position, merging multiple sensing modalities to achieve reliable measurement without requiring separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors contact force values and uses this feedback to verify whether the implement is in contact with the ground portion. The control unit compares measured contact force against threshold values and adjusts position determination accordingly, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that enhances reliability of ground position information.
2Measurement precision
If contact force value range checking is implemented, then accurate contact detection is achieved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the contact detection problem from a binary yes/no determination to a continuous parameter measurement. By monitoring contact force values within a predetermined range and comparing against threshold values, the system converts physical contact into measurable parameter changes that can be processed electronically with high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that processes raw contact force data from sensors and translates it into meaningful ground contact status. It mediates between the physical contact force measurement and the digital position determination, filtering and interpreting sensor signals to reduce measurement difficulty.
3Adaptability or versatility
If implement load sensor is used for contact force determination, then existing sensors are utilized, but versatility is limited to specific sensor types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the force determining means universal by accepting multiple sensor types (load cells, strain gauges, pressure sensors) that can all measure contact force. The control unit is designed to process signals from various sensor technologies, making the system versatile while maintaining reliable contact force determination through standardized signal processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for determining the vertical position of at least a point of a ground portion (40) using a work machine (10) comprising an implement (14). The work machine (10) further comprises position determining means (32) adapted to determine at least the vertical position of the implement (14) and force determining means (28) adapted to determine a force applied to the implement (14). The method comprises: -determining a contact force value indicative of a contact force between the ground portion (40) and the implement (14) using the force determining means (28); -determining whether or not the contact force value is within a predetermined contact force value range, and -if it is determined that the contact force value is within the predetermined contact force value range, using the position determining means (32) for determining at least the vertical position of a portion of the implement (14) which is in contact with the ground portion (40).