Linear Actuator Ride Control With Dual-Brake Oscillation Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines with linear actuators experience oscillations and bouncing on uneven terrain, leading to operator discomfort and reduced control, as traditional hydraulic systems are replaced by rigid actuators that lack damping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Implement a control system with a spring-coupled brake and a non-spring-coupled brake in the linear actuator assembly, adjusting braking modes based on oscillation magnitude and ground speed to dampen movements and stabilize the load bucket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hydraulic lift cylinders with accumulators are used for ride control, then machine oscillations are dampened and rider comfort is improved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the oscillation damping function from the complex hydraulic accumulator system and implements it through a simpler electronic control system that monitors machine motion and adjusts linear actuator braking forces independently, thereby maintaining ride comfort while reducing hydraulic system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/hydraulic accumulator-based damping system with an electronic control system that uses sensors to detect machine oscillations and electronically controls the linear actuators to provide counteracting forces, substituting complex hydraulic mechanics with electronic control mechanisms
2Reliability
If linear actuators are used to replace hydraulic cylinders, then system reliability and control precision are improved, but the ability to dampen machine oscillations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the linear actuator system dynamic by enabling real-time adjustment of braking forces based on detected machine oscillations, allowing the rigid actuators to adapt their stiffness characteristics and provide oscillation damping while maintaining their inherent reliability and control precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors machine motion, detects oscillations, and automatically adjusts the linear actuator braking forces to counteract the oscillations, thereby enabling reliable linear actuators to dampen harmful vibrations through active control
3Ease of operation
If operator slows down machine speed to reduce oscillations, then rider comfort and control are improved, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by proactively detecting machine oscillations and automatically applying counteracting braking forces through the linear actuators before the oscillations become severe enough to require speed reduction, thereby maintaining both comfort and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the machine to self-regulate oscillations through an automatic control system that detects and corrects vibrations without operator intervention, eliminating the need for operators to slow down the machine and thereby maintaining productivity while improving control
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 system effectively reduces machine oscillations, enhancing operator comfort and control by using a combination of braking mechanisms to counteract bouncing, allowing for smoother operation on uneven terrain.
Implementation Method 1
The brake assembly can include a non-spring-coupled brake and a spring-coupled brake
Implementation Method 2
The brake assembly can include a non-spring-coupled brake and a spring-coupled brake
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a load bucket and operator controls for controlling position of the load bucket. The work machine can include an actuator assembly coupled to hold the load bucket in a position based upon signals from the operator controls. The actuator assembly can include a motor and a brake assembly. The brake assembly can include a non-spring-coupled brake and a spring-coupled brake. The work machine can further include control circuitry coupled to the actuator assembly to activate the spring-coupled brake responsive to detection that the non-spring-coupled brake is holding the load bucket stationary. The control circuitry can further control the motor to apply additional braking force upon detecting that a magnitude of oscillation of the work machine exceeds a threshold magnitude based on a damping coefficient of the spring-coupled brake.