Implement Leveling Control for Power Machine Lift Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power machines, such as skid-steers and compact track loaders, face challenges in maintaining the level orientation of implements like buckets when the lift arm is actuated up or down, leading to potential load spillage.

Innovation Solution

The technology employs electronic processors to control electric tilt and lift actuators, enabling automated implement leveling. This involves monitoring the current lift position of the lift arm and determining a target tilt position to maintain the implement's level orientation relative to a reference plane or gravity, even on uneven terrain.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the lift arm is actuated up or down to perform work functions, then the work capability is improved, but the implement orientation becomes unlevel leading to load spillage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework capabilityVSAvoidimplement orientation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the lift arm position and the implement orientation, then automatically adjusts the tilt actuator to maintain level implement orientation. This closed-loop feedback control resolves the contradiction by dynamically compensating for orientation changes that occur during lift arm actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the implement tilt angle based on the current lift position. As the lift arm moves, the tilt actuator automatically changes the implement orientation to maintain levelness, transforming the static geometry problem into a dynamic control solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If automated implement leveling is implemented to maintain level orientation, then load spillage is prevented, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload retentionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system integrates multiple functions into a unified automated leveling system. The electronic processor manages both lift position monitoring and tilt actuator control, eliminating the need for separate manual adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity despite the automated functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically maintains level implement orientation without requiring operator intervention. The electronic processor continuously adjusts the tilt actuator based on sensor feedback, making the system self-regulating and reducing the operational complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If the implement carrier varies in angle with respect to vertical or horizontal plane during lift arm actuation, then the structural geometry is simplified, but the implement levelness is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural geometryVSAvoidimplement levelness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical levelness maintenance mechanisms with an electronic control system. Instead of using sophisticated mechanical linkages to maintain levelness, the patent uses sensors and electronic processors to automatically adjust the tilt actuator, achieving precise levelness control with simpler overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250019925A1Systems and methods of performing implement leveling operations with a power machine

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 DOOSAN BOBCAT NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Automated operation methods and systems are provided for power machines. One system includes an electronic processor configured to determine, based on the operational data, a current lift position associated with a power machine. The electronic processor may also be configured to determine, based on the current lift position, a target tilt position associated with a work element of the power machine and control an electric tilt actuator based on the target tilt position.