Orientation Leveling System for Excavator Implement Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implement control systems for machines, such as excavators, lack the desired control accuracy and are often cost-prohibitive and not durable enough for extensive use, particularly when employing multi-axis robots for fine movements.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes an orientation leveling system with a base plate, orientation sensor, plate actuators, and electronic controllers to ensure the base plate is parallel with the work surface, combined with a multi-axis control system for precise positioning of implements along multiple axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multi-axis robot is used to control fine movements of the implement, then positioning precision is improved, but cost increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent segments: a machine control system for coarse movements and an effector control system for fine movements. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function, with the effector being a simpler, more durable device rather than a complex multi-axis robot, thereby improving durability while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
An effector is introduced as an intermediary device between the machine and the implement. This effector includes a base plate with orientation leveling system and axis actuators that work together to achieve precise positioning without requiring a full multi-axis robot, thus improving durability while maintaining the required positioning precision.
2Measurement precision
If a multi-axis robot is used to control fine movements of the implement, then positioning precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent segments: a machine control system for coarse movements and an effector control system for fine movements. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized for its specific function, with the effector being a simpler, more durable device rather than a full multi-axis robot, thereby reducing cost while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
An effector is introduced as an intermediary device between the machine and the implement. This effector includes a base plate with orientation leveling system and axis actuators that work together to achieve precise positioning without requiring a full multi-axis robot, thus reducing cost while maintaining the required positioning precision.
3Device complexity
If the base plate is not level with the work surface, then the system is simpler, but positioning accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The orientation leveling system performs preliminary action by automatically leveling the base plate with the work surface before the axis actuators perform positioning operations. This preliminary leveling ensures that all subsequent positioning measurements and movements are referenced to a level plane, thereby maintaining positioning accuracy without adding significant complexity to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation leveling system enables the base plate to self-level with the work surface using sensors and actuators that automatically detect and correct orientation deviations. This self-service capability maintains positioning accuracy without requiring manual intervention or complex external leveling equipment.
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
This solution provides accurate and durable control of implements by maintaining a level base for the multi-axis control system, reducing the need for costly and fragile robots, and enabling precise positioning with robust and cost-effective actuators.
Implementation Method 1
an orientation sensor configured to determine initial orientation information for the base plate, the initial orientation information being relative to the surface plane
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for an implement associated with a machine, the machine operating on a work surface lying in a surface plane, is disclosed. The system includes a base plate attached to the machine, the base plate establishing a plate plane and the orientation of the plate plane alters with changes in orientation of the base plate. The system may further include an orientation leveling system which includes an orientation sensor, one or more plate actuators for altering orientation of the base plate, and an electronic controller. The electronic controller is configured to determine if the plate plane is substantially parallel with the surface plane and actuate the one or more actuators to alter orientation of the base plate to position the base plate such that the plate plane is substantially parallel with the surface plane, if the plate plane is not substantially parallel with the surface plane.