Linkage Bearing Load Estimation Using Hydraulic Pressure and Link Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining load on linkage bearings in working machines, such as wheel loaders and excavators, require a complex and costly array of sensors, limiting their practicality and effectiveness in optimizing operational efficiency and extending component life.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a reduced number of sensors to determine load on linkage bearings by measuring pressures in hydraulic cylinders and link angles, calculating perpendicular force components, and applying predetermined constants to estimate bearing loads, thereby simplifying the sensing system and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex array of sensors is used to determine load on linkage bearings, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurements needed for load determination - specifically hydraulic cylinder pressures and linkage angles - while eliminating the need for complex sensor arrays previously required. This selective extraction of critical parameters achieves adequate measurement precision with significantly reduced system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical load measurement systems (such as load cells or strain gauges on bearings) with a computational approach that uses hydraulic pressure sensors and angle measurements combined with mechanical model calculations. This substitution reduces the mechanical sensing complexity while maintaining load determination capability.
2Measurement precision
If a complex array of sensors is used to determine load on linkage bearings, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurements needed for load determination - specifically hydraulic cylinder pressures and linkage angles - while eliminating the need for complex sensor arrays previously required. This selective extraction of critical parameters achieves adequate measurement precision with significantly reduced system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively inexpensive pressure sensors in hydraulic lines and simple angle sensors instead of expensive load-bearing sensors. These cheaper sensing elements, combined with computational processing, achieve the required measurement precision at lower cost.
3Productivity
If training is conducted at test facilities with sensor-equipped machines, then operational efficiency is improved, but loss of time increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the working machine itself to provide training data and feedback to operators through onboard load monitoring and reporting capabilities. Operators can train directly on actual working machines rather than requiring separate test facilities, making the machine self-instructive and eliminating travel time to training centers.
Solution Approach 2:
The load determination system serves multiple functions: it monitors component wear in real operations, provides training data for operators, and can be applied across different working machine types and linkage configurations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for machine-specific training facilities.
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
This approach allows for accurate determination and monitoring of bearing loads under actual working conditions without complex sensing systems, optimizing operational efficiency and extending component life while being cost-effective and applicable across various working machines.
Implementation Method 1
determining at least one pressure in a first hydraulic cylinder and at least one pressure in a second hydraulic cylinder arranged to control the linkage
Implementation Method 2
determining at least one link angle between at least two links in the linkage
Implementation Method 3
determining at least two perpendicular force components acting on the selected linkage bearing, based on the determined at least one pressure in each of the first and second cylinders and the at least one link angle
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a load in a working machine including a linkage to be connected to an implement includes determining pressure in a first hydraulic cylinder and pressure in a second hydraulic cylinder arranged to control the linkage and determining at least one link angle between at least two links in the linkage. The method further includes, for a selected linkage bearing, determining at least two perpendicular force components acting on the selected linkage bearing, based on the determined pressure in each of the first and second cylinders and the at least one link angle; and determining a load on the selected linkage bearing as a linear combination of the at least two perpendicular force components using predetermined constants for the linear combination.