Digging Implement Control With Steering Lock for Repeatable Pile Approach
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inexperienced operators of heavy equipment often execute digging procedures in a suboptimal manner, leading to unnecessary stress on the vehicle, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased time to complete work.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a boom and digging implement that automatically adjusts steering and performs a series of movements to optimize the digging/loading process, including locking the steering mechanism, adjusting operating parameters, and engaging with the diggable medium based on predetermined thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic digging control system is implemented, then digging procedure optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the vehicle to automatically perform digging operations by self-monitoring operating parameters (torque, hydraulic pressure) and self-adjusting implement positions and vehicle steering without continuous operator intervention, allowing the equipment to serve itself during the digging process
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors operating parameters such as torque and hydraulic pressure, compares them against threshold values, and automatically adjusts digging implement positions and vehicle steering based on the feedback from these measurements, creating a closed-loop control system
2Manufacturing precision
If steering mechanism is locked during digging, then digging precision is improved, but operator flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism transitions from a locked static state during automated digging to an unlocked dynamic state when operator input is detected, allowing the system to adapt between automated precision mode and manual control mode based on operational requirements
3Productivity
If multiple operating parameters are adjusted automatically, then digging optimization is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system merges multiple control functions into a single integrated system that simultaneously manages digging implement position, vehicle steering, and multiple operating parameters based on unified feedback from torque and hydraulic pressure sensors, coordinating all adjustments through a centralized control algorithm
Data Source
AI summary
One method may include adjusting a first operating parameter of a digging implement of the vehicle; advancing the digging implement to a digging location; engaging the digging implement with a diggable medium located at the digging location; determining a vehicle operating parameter; upon the vehicle operating parameter exceeding a threshold, adjusting the first operating parameter of the digging implement of the vehicle; advancing the digging implement of the vehicle; upon the vehicle operating parameter exceeding a second predetermined threshold, adjusting the first operating parameter and a second operating parameter of the digging implement of the vehicle; upon the second operating parameter reaching a third predetermined threshold, withdrawing the digging; upon withdrawing the digging implement beyond the digging location, adjusting the first operating parameter of the digging implement of the vehicle; and unlocking the steering mechanism of the vehicle.