Loading Machine Speed and Tilt Control on Rough Terrain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machines, such as compact track loaders, often cause damage to fragile cargo like solar panels due to operator error, rough terrain, and lack of adaptive control systems.

Innovation Solution

A semi-autonomous machine equipped with sensors, actuators, and a controller that adjusts parameters like speed, tilt, and suspension based on terrain roughness and operational phases to minimize cargo damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the machine operates at high speed to improve productivity, then cargo damage increases due to rough terrain and operator error

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport speedVSAvoidcargo damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The machine implements dynamic speed adjustment based on real-time terrain conditions. The controller continuously monitors terrain roughness via sensors and automatically modifies transport speed to match current conditions, enabling high speed on smooth terrain and reduced speed on rough terrain to prevent cargo damage while maintaining overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback control through sensors that detect terrain roughness, cargo position, and machine stability. This feedback loop allows the controller to continuously adjust operating parameters including speed, tilt angle, and fork position to optimize both productivity and cargo protection based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If manual operation is used to maintain simplicity, then cargo damage increases due to operator error and lack of training

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidcargo damage from operator error

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The machine performs self-monitoring and self-adjustment of critical parameters such as speed, tilt angle, and fork position. The automated control system detects terrain conditions and cargo status, then automatically modifies operations to prevent damage, reducing reliance on operator skill and training while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with automated electronic control systems that use sensors and controllers to manage cargo handling. This substitution eliminates operator error while keeping the interface simple, allowing operators to benefit from automated precision without complex manual control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If the machine uses fixed operating parameters to maintain ease of operation, then cargo damage increases due to inability to adapt to rough terrain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparameter adjustment simplicityVSAvoidcargo damage on rough terrain

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed operating parameters to dynamic parameters that automatically adapt to terrain conditions. The controller continuously adjusts speed, tilt angle, and fork position based on real-time sensor data from rough terrain detection, enabling the machine to maintain ease of operation while adapting to varying terrain conditions to prevent cargo damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automatic changes in operating parameters including transport speed, lifting tool tilt angle, and fork level based on detected terrain roughness. These parameter changes occur automatically without operator intervention, maintaining ease of operation while adapting to rough terrain conditions to protect cargo.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12535816B2System and method for reducing cargo damage of loading machine

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A system for adjusting parameters on a machine that operates at least semi-autonomously and includes a lifting tool to lift or tilt a load. The system includes: an accelerometer, a rotational sensor, a positioning receiver, a level actuator and a tilt actuator to adjust a level and a tilt of the lifting tool, respectively, a speed control system to adjust a speed of the machine; and a controller on the machine to: access a terrain roughness threshold and a worksite map that includes terrain roughness data, receive data from the accelerometer and the rotational sensor, determine a current location of the machine, terrain roughness, whether the terrain roughness exceeds the terrain roughness threshold, and whether the machine is in a load-carrying phase of operation, and reduce the speed of the machine when the terrain roughness exceeds the terrain roughness threshold and the machine is in the load-carrying phase.