Load-Based Motor Grader Heading Control Under Implement Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction equipment, such as motor graders, deviate from their desired heading due to excessive loads from work implements, leading to lost productivity and potential getting stuck on the work surface.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing rear and front inertial motion units, steering and articulation sensors, and a controller to determine and adjust the actual heading of the motor grader to match the desired heading by adjusting steering, articulation, load removal, or providing operator indications, and reducing machine speed when the heading deviation exceeds a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the motor grader operates with work implements engaged under load, then productivity is improved, but the actual heading deviates from the desired heading
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual heading using inertial motion units and steering sensors, compares it to the desired heading, and automatically adjusts steering and articulation controls to correct deviations caused by work implement loads, thereby maintaining heading accuracy while preserving productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual steering correction with an automated electronic control system that uses inertial sensors, steering sensors, and articulation sensors to detect heading deviations and automatically adjusts the steering and articulation controls, eliminating the need for constant operator intervention
2Manufacturing precision
If the motor grader maintains desired heading under load, then heading accuracy is improved, but machine speed must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts machine speed based on load conditions and heading deviation magnitude, allowing higher speeds when heading control is easier and reducing speed only when necessary to maintain heading accuracy under heavy load conditions
3Device complexity
If the motor grader operates without heading correction system, then device complexity is reduced, but the operator must continuously monitor and correct heading
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the motor grader to self-correct heading deviations by automatically adjusting steering and articulation controls based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for continuous operator monitoring and manual correction while maintaining ease of operation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reverting an actual heading of a mobile construction equipment subject to load from one or more work implements to a desired heading, the mobile construction equipment having a front frame articulatable with respect to a rear frame, the front frame including a steering apparatus, the system including: a rear inertial motion unit disposed on the rear frame, the rear inertial motion unit for providing an actual rear frame yaw rate; a steering sensor for providing an actual steering angle of the steering apparatus; an articulation sensor for providing an actual articulation angle between the front frame and the rear frame; and a controller for: receiving the actual rear frame yaw rate, the actual steering angle, and the actual articulation angle to determine the actual heading, receiving a steering control indicating a desired steering angle of the steering apparatus and an articulation control indicating a desired articulation angle.