Wheel Loader Load Weight Measurement via Boom Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring load weight in wheel loaders are inefficient, leading to increased work time and operator complexity, especially when loading onto dump trucks, as they require multiple trips and unstable boom operations.

Innovation Solution

A system for a wheel loader that uses a processor to calculate load weight based on boom angle and differential pressure, allowing for real-time measurement and adjustment during excavation and loading operations, thereby simplifying the process and reducing work time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If load weight is measured by raising the boom after excavation, then load weight can be measured, but the work time increases and operator operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload weight measurementVSAvoidwork time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of load weight during the excavation phase before the boom raising operation. By measuring load weight while the boom is in its working position rather than requiring post-excavation boom raising, the system eliminates the need for additional measurement trips and reduces overall work time while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical measurement method (requiring physical boom raising and stabilization) with a sensor-based measurement system that calculates load weight from sensor data during normal operation. This substitution eliminates the need for separate measurement operations and reduces work time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If load weight is measured by raising the boom after excavation, then load weight can be measured, but the operator's operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload weight measurementVSAvoidoperator operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically measures load weight during excavation operations without requiring manual intervention or special operator actions. The measurement function serves itself by utilizing existing sensors and operational data, eliminating the need for operators to perform separate measurement tasks or manage complex boom raising procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement procedures with an automated sensor-based system that continuously monitors and calculates load weight during normal excavation operations, simplifying operator tasks while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the wheel loader goes back to the excavation site to unload part of the load, then load weight can be adjusted, but the work time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload weight adjustmentVSAvoidwork time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurement of load weight during the excavation phase, allowing operators to determine the exact weight before traveling to the dump site. This preliminary knowledge enables operators to plan load adjustments at the dump site rather than returning to the excavation site, reducing travel time and work time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback on load weight during excavation operations, allowing operators to monitor and adjust load weight in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables operators to make precise load adjustments without needing to return to the excavation site, reducing overall work time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables precise and rapid load weight measurement, reducing the need for multiple trips and simplifying operator tasks by stabilizing boom operations and ensuring accurate loading within dump truck capacity.

Implementation Method 1

calculate a load weight in the bucket based on a relationship between a boom angle and a differential pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential pressure measurement: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3719223B1Work machine and system including work machine
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 KOMATSU LTD
  • EP3719223B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3719223B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3719223B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Based on information sensed by a work phase sensing unit, a work phase by a work implement (3) is distinguished. Correction of boom pressure is switched when distinction of excavation in the work phase is switched.