Loader Boom Velocity Control and Tractive Effort Derating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Loader boom performance is inconsistent due to operator skill levels, leading to boom stalling and reduced efficiency, as inexperienced operators may not achieve optimal boom velocity, resulting in trapped booms and increased operational time.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a controller with computational capabilities to calculate and compare boom velocity, de-rate tractive effort, and adjust the power train to maintain consistent boom performance, independent of operator skill, using a predefined algorithm and position sensors to prevent boom stalling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator manually controls the boom velocity, then the operator can maneuver the boom, but the boom performance becomes inconsistent and may stall due to operator skill level
Solution Approach 1:
The boom control system performs self-regulation by automatically monitoring boom velocity and adjusting tractive effort to maintain optimal boom performance, eliminating dependence on operator skill for consistent boom operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors actual boom velocity and compares it to commanded velocity, using this feedback to automatically adjust tractive effort and maintain consistent boom performance regardless of operator skill level
2Productivity
If the operator uses high tractive effort to pick up material, then the bucket can pick up more material, but the boom may become trapped or stalled in the material
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors boom velocity and detects when the boom is slowing down (indicating potential stalling), then automatically adjusts tractive effort to prevent the boom from becoming trapped while maintaining material pickup capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the tractive effort parameter based on real-time boom velocity conditions, reducing tractive effort when stalling is detected and maintaining optimal parameters for material pickup when conditions are favorable
3Reliability
If the system automatically adjusts tractive effort to maintain consistent boom performance, then boom stalling is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from boom velocity sensors to automatically adjust tractive effort, maintaining consistent boom performance without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple separate control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle that includes a boom; a boom actuator connected to the boom, the boom actuator being adapted to controllably move the boom about a boom pivot in response to receiving a boom control signal; and a controller having computational and time-keeping capabilities. The controller communicates with the boom actuator, and calculates the boom velocity, compares the calculated velocity to a commanded velocity to obtain a velocity error, and, if necessary, de-rates the tractive effort of the wheels to prevent the boom from stalling. The controller also determines if the operator is actuating the boom, and reads the boom position to calculate the boom velocity based upon the current boom position and a previous boom position. The controller uses a predefined algorithm to de-rate the tractive effort of the wheels as a function of the power train configuration.