Multi-Blade Position Coordination for Earth Working Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of earth working machines with multiple blades face difficulties in manually controlling the blades, particularly the dozing blade, due to poor visibility from the cabin, which affects efficiency and accuracy in shaping surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A control system that includes a controller communicating with hydraulic actuators to automatically coordinate the positions of multiple blades based on ground surface, planned contour, and blade positions, enabling manual, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous modes of operation to improve control and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a dozing blade is mounted on the motor grader, then material removal efficiency is improved, but operator visibility of the blade area is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial removal efficiencyVSAvoidoperator visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dozing blade is equipped with its own independent control system that automatically positions the blade based on sensor feedback and controller commands, eliminating the need for manual operator control and thus removing the visibility constraint while maintaining material removal efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical control system for the dozing blade is replaced with an automated electronic control system comprising sensors, a controller, and hydraulic actuators, which automatically adjust blade position without requiring operator intervention or visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple blades are equipped on the earth working machine, then functionality is improved, but control complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidcontrol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control systems for multiple blades are merged into a single integrated controller that receives inputs from various sensors and coordinates the operation of all blades simultaneously, reducing overall control complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to manage both the moldboard blade and dozing blade operations, as well as coordinate between rough pass and final pass modes, thereby simplifying the overall control architecture despite the multiple blades equipped

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10316491B2Machine control system having multi-blade position coordination

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 CATERPILLAR INC

AI summary

A control system is disclosed for use with a machine. The control system may have a first blade mountable to the machine and configured to engage a ground surface below the machine, and at least a first actuator configured to move the first blade. The control system may also have a second blade mountable to the machine and configured to engage the ground surface below the machine, and at least a second actuator configured to move the second blade. The control system may additionally have a controller in communication with the at least a second actuator. The controller may be configured to determine a first position of the first blade, and to automatically cause the at least a second actuator to move the second blade to a second position based on the first position of the first blade.