Milling Machine Slope Control via Adjustable Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Milling machines face stability issues due to high center of gravity when the slope exceeds a desirable limit, leading to potential instability during earth moving operations, as existing stability detection systems only provide warnings without controlling the stability based on measured weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that include a controller to determine the slope of a milling machine and actuate vertically adjustable legs to adjust the frame's position, ensuring the slope remains within predetermined limits, thereby maintaining stability during operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the milling machine operates on sloped terrain, then the machine can access varying terrains and perform earth moving operations, but the stability of the machine deteriorates when the slope exceeds a desirable limit due to high center of gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The leg system is made dynamically adjustable to change the frame's position in real-time based on slope conditions. The controller continuously monitors slope measurements and actuates the legs to maintain stability, transforming a static support system into a dynamic one that adapts to varying terrain conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the controller receives continuous slope measurements from sensors, compares them against stability thresholds, and automatically actuates the legs to correct instability. This feedback loop enables the machine to maintain stability on sloped terrain without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a weight-based stability detection system is used to detect stability, then the stability status can be detected and warnings can be provided, but the system cannot actively control or prevent instability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting slope conditions and adjusting its own stability through leg actuation. The controller monitors the machine's stability status and independently takes corrective action by adjusting the leg positions, eliminating the need for external intervention or manual stabilization efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from slope sensors to automatically control the leg actuators, creating a closed-loop system that not only detects stability issues but also actively corrects them. This transforms the passive detection system into an active control system that maintains stability automatically.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the leg is actuated to adjust the frame position on sloped terrain, then the stability is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses simple feedback logic where the controller receives slope measurements, compares them against predetermined thresholds, and actuates legs based on straightforward conditional rules. This keeps the control algorithm relatively simple while achieving effective stability control through direct sensor-actuator coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that simplifies the interaction between the complex leg actuation system and the stability requirement. It processes slope information and translates it into appropriate leg adjustment commands, managing the complexity by providing a single point of decision-making in the control loop.
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
The system effectively controls the slope of the milling machine, preventing instability by adjusting the legs to maintain stability within set limits, allowing for safe operation on varying terrains without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The leg is hydraulically actuated to raise or lower the frame with reference to the work surface
Implementation Method 2
Each of the ground engaging members is coupled to a frame of the milling machine by a leg
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling a stability of a milling machine is disclosed. The system includes a frame having a first slope and a leg coupled to the frame. The leg extends and retracts along a length thereof with respect to the frame. The system includes a controller to determine the first slope and to actuate the leg if the first slope is greater than a first predetermined slope.