Wheel Loader Clutch Control for Excavation Stall Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheel loaders can become immobile when working equipment is strongly pressed against a target during excavation, leading to reduced work efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle equipped with a clutch that adjusts the degree of engagement between the power source and transmission, controlled by a control device based on the state of the working equipment, allowing for improved maneuverability during excavation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the working equipment is strongly pressed against the target by forward movement of the wheel loader, then excavation force is improved, but the wheel loader becomes immobile
Solution Approach 1:
The clutch engagement degree is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state of the working equipment. When the working equipment is strongly pressed against the target (detected by hydraulic pressure sensors), the clutch engagement degree is automatically reduced to allow the travel device to move again, resolving the immobility issue while maintaining effective excavation force when needed
2Speed
If the clutch engagement degree is increased to improve travel capability, then the wheel loader can move better, but the working equipment cannot be strongly pressed against the target
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts clutch engagement degree based on real-time detection of working equipment state. When excavation force is needed, engagement increases; when travel is needed, engagement decreases. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between travel capability and excavation force
Solution Approach 2:
Hydraulic pressure sensors detect the state of the working equipment (whether it is pressed against the target) and provide feedback to the control device. Based on this feedback, the control device automatically adjusts the clutch engagement degree, enabling the system to respond appropriately to changing operational conditions and resolve the contradiction between travel and excavation
3Productivity
If the wheel loader maintains high engagement to ensure continuous excavation, then productivity is improved, but the wheel loader gets stuck when pressed against hard targets
Solution Approach 1:
The control device continuously monitors hydraulic pressure from sensors to detect when the working equipment is pressed against the target. Upon detection, it automatically reduces clutch engagement to prevent getting stuck, ensuring the wheel loader can recover and continue work, thus maintaining both productivity and mobility reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The control system proactively reduces clutch engagement degree when detecting that the working equipment is strongly pressed against the target, before the wheel loader completely stops moving. This preventive action avoids the situation of complete immobility and ensures continuous work capability
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes a power source, a travel device that includes a clutch capable of adjusting a degree of engagement between the power source and a transmission, and travels on a basis of power transmitted from the power source, working equipment, a drive device that operates the working equipment on a basis of power transmitted from the power source, and a control device that outputs a control command for controlling the degree of engagement of the clutch on a basis of a state of the working equipment.