Implement Metering Control via Dynamic Signal Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implement vibration systems for machines like wheel loaders fail to adapt to changing conditions, leading to inconsistent and imprecise metering due to factors like changing payload weight and center of gravity, resulting in potential machine damage and operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes sensors to detect implement characteristics, an actuator to actuate the implement, and a controller to generate a metering control signal by adjusting a baseline signal based on sensor data, ensuring precise and consistent metering operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated metering is implemented without adaptation to changing conditions, then operator fatigue is reduced, but metering precision deteriorates due to dump indexing and rack indexing
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the baseline metering signal parameters (frequency, amplitude, duration) based on real-time sensor feedback about implement position and payload conditions. This allows the system to adapt to changing weight and center of gravity throughout the metering cycle, preventing drift to dump or rack positions while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors implement characteristics through sensors and uses this feedback to adjust the metering control signal in real-time. The controller compares actual implement position and conditions against target parameters, then modifies the baseline signal to correct deviations, ensuring consistent metering precision throughout the operation cycle.
2Device complexity
If a fixed baseline metering signal is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient vibratory action and undesirable resonance under varying payload conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The baseline metering signal is designed as a dynamic template rather than a fixed signal. The controller adjusts signal parameters in real-time based on sensor feedback about payload weight, center of gravity, and implement position. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable vibratory action across varying conditions without requiring multiple pre-programmed signal sets, maintaining reasonable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters of the baseline metering signal (frequency, amplitude, pulse duration) based on detected payload conditions. When heavy payload is detected, the system adjusts parameters to prevent excessive frequency that could cause resonance. When light payload is detected, parameters are adjusted to ensure sufficient vibratory action for proper metering.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual joystick actuation is used for metering, then adaptability to changing conditions is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to constant rapid actuation required
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs self-adjustment by automatically monitoring implement position, payload conditions, and metering progress through sensors. The system autonomously modifies the baseline metering signal parameters to adapt to changing conditions without requiring continuous manual input, eliminating operator fatigue while maintaining adaptability through automated feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time sensor feedback about implement position, payload weight, and center of gravity enables the controller to automatically adjust metering parameters. This closed-loop control system adapts to changing conditions just as manual operation would, but without requiring the operator to continuously monitor and adjust controls, significantly improving ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The control system achieves precise and consistent metering by adapting to dynamic conditions, reducing operator fatigue, and preventing potential machine damage from resonance issues.
Implementation Method 1
sends vibration signals to the electrohydraulic mechanism to cause the implement to vibrate
Implementation Method 2
vibrate the implement by repetitive changing of at least one of an angle or a position of the implement
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for a machine may receive an activation command to activate a metering operation that is to vibrate an implement of the machine by repetitive changing of at least one of an angle or a position of the implement. The controller may generate, while the metering operation is ongoing, a metering control signal for the metering operation by adjusting a baseline metering signal in accordance with sensor data relating to a characteristic of the implement. The controller may cause actuation of an implement actuator for the implement in accordance with the metering control signal.