Machine Service Set Position Control for Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing machine control systems for reclamation and mixing machines, such as reclaimers and rotary mixers, require time-consuming and difficult manual operations to move into service set positions for maintenance, as operators lack clear visibility of the desired positions, especially when accessing components like the rotor drive train gearbox for oil level checks and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A machine service set position control system that determines the machine's and rotor drive train's positions, issuing commands to level and position the machine and its components automatically, allowing easy access for technicians to perform maintenance tasks by operating actuators connected to the rotor drive train.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is used to move the machine into service set positions, then the operator can control the machine components, but the process becomes very time consuming and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of moving machine to service positionVSAvoidtime required for maintenance positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine control system automatically performs the service set positioning function without requiring manual intervention. The system self-determines the current position, self-generates the necessary commands, and self-executes the positioning sequence, eliminating the time-consuming manual operation while maintaining precise control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical control system with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses sensors to detect position and automatically generates control signals, substituting the operator's manual mechanical operations with an automated electromechanical system that is both faster and more precise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the operator manually positions components for maintenance, then access to service areas can be achieved, but the operator lacks clear visibility of whether the desired service set position has been achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility of service set positionVSAvoidposition determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates position sensors that continuously monitor the machine and component positions, providing real-time feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine when the service set position has been achieved and to make automatic adjustments if needed, ensuring precise positioning without requiring operator visual verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces position sensors as intermediary devices between the physical components and the control system. These sensors act as mediators that convert physical position information into electrical signals that the controller can process, providing objective and accurate position detection that eliminates the operator's subjective visual assessment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple operations are performed in sequence to move the machine to service position, then the machine can be properly positioned, but the maintenance process becomes complex and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of operations required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete positioning operations into a single integrated automated sequence. The controller merges the coordination of traction devices, rotor drive train actuator, and component positioning into one unified control process, reducing the complexity from multiple separate manual operations to a single automated function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of the current machine position and required service set position before executing the positioning sequence. The controller pre-calculates the necessary operations and prepares the control sequence in advance, allowing the actual positioning to be executed efficiently as a predetermined sequence rather than requiring complex real-time decision-making

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11851832B2Machine service set position control system

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 CATERPILLAR PAVING PROD INC

AI summary

A machine service set position control system is used on a machine that includes a frame, traction devices connected to the frame, a power source connected to the traction devices and configured to rotate the traction devices, a drum chamber connected to the frame, a milling drum rotatably supported within the drum chamber and configured to engage with a ground surface, and a rotor drive train connected to the milling drum and configured to rotate the milling drum to mill the ground surface, the rotor drive train including a gearbox. The service set position control system is programmed to determine a position of at least the rotor drive train and selectively operate a rotor drive train actuator connected to the rotor drive train based on the determined position to move the machine into a machine service set position allowing easy access for a technician to perform service.