Motor Grader Control System for Automated Steering and Moldboard Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual control of motor graders is inefficient, leading to inefficiencies and operator fatigue during worksite grading operations due to the complexity of controlling steering, speed, and moldboard positioning simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A computing system is used to generate and control a steering path and moldboard control instructions for a motor grader, taking into account performance metrics of the steering and moldboard systems, allowing for automatic guidance and reducing operator workload by compensating for cross-track errors and simplifying control across multiple passes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual controls are used for steering, speed, and moldboard positioning, then the operator has direct control over all aspects of the motor grader, but the operator cannot control all aspects simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies and operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The motor grader system performs self-control through automated steering and moldboard positioning systems. The control system automatically adjusts steering angle and moldboard position based on pre-programmed grading parameters, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention and allowing the machine to service itself during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control systems with automated electronic control systems. The control system uses electronic signals to actuate the steering system and moldboard positioning mechanisms, substituting human mechanical operations with automated electronic-mechanical integration, thereby improving both ease of operation and productivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions are integrated into a single system, then comprehensive control is achieved, but the system complexity increases making it difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed as a multi-functional universal system that can perform steering control, moldboard positioning, and grading parameter management through a single integrated controller. This universal control architecture allows one system to handle multiple functions, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules including steering control module, moldboard positioning module, and grading parameter management module. Each module handles specific control tasks independently, allowing the complex system to be broken down into manageable segments that can be operated and maintained more easily.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatically guiding a motor grader includes receiving a desired final grade for a worksite and generating a steering path for steering the motor grader across the worksite and moldboard control instructions for actuating a moldboard of the motor grader as the motor grader moves across the worksite based at least in part on the desired final grade, at least one steering performance metric of a steering system of the motor grader, and at least one moldboard performance metric of a moldboard system of the motor grader. Moreover, the method includes receiving an input indicative of a ground speed of the motor grader. Additionally, the method includes controlling the steering system according to the steering path and the moldboard system according to the moldboard control instructions when the ground speed is within a threshold speed range.