Traction Control via Implement Rate Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traction vehicles, such as motor graders, experience reduced productivity and degrade support surfaces in low traction conditions due to excessive wheel slip, which is typically managed by operator intervention or limited torque methods.
Innovation Solution
An automatic traction control system that monitors wheel slip and adjusts the movement rate of a ground-engaging implement, like a blade, proportionally to the slip, to maintain optimal traction and reduce wheel slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If torque is limited to an electric drive motor or individual wheel brakes are applied, then wheel slip is reduced, but vehicle productivity decreases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ground-engaging implement as an intermediary element between the wheels and the support surface. This implement actively engages the terrain to provide additional traction, mediating the interaction between the driving wheels and the ground. By doing so, it reduces wheel slip without requiring torque limiting or brake application, thus maintaining vehicle productivity while addressing the harmful slip effect.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If torque limiting systems are applied, then wheel slip is controlled, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground-engaging implement serves a dual function: it performs the primary ground-engaging task (such as grading or cutting) while simultaneously providing traction control by preventing wheel slip. The implement essentially serves itself by using its own structural engagement with the ground to control wheel slip, eliminating the need for separate torque limiting systems or brake mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If operator intervention is used to manage wheel slip, then wheel slip can be controlled, but operator workload increases and response time is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor wheel slip conditions and provide feedback to the control system. Based on this real-time feedback, the ground-engaging implement automatically adjusts its engagement with the ground to maintain optimal traction. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the need for continuous operator intervention, reducing workload while maintaining effective wheel slip control.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle traction control system for a vehicle includes a prime mover, at least one wheel for providing tractive effort on a support surface, and a ground-engaging implement moveable relative to the support surface. The traction control system also includes a controller operable to monitor wheel slip of the at least one wheel. The controller is operable to move the ground-engaging implement at a rate proportional to an amount of wheel slip.