Piste Grooming Vehicle Cable Torque Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piste grooming vehicles experience unstable driving performance and increased operator workload due to yawing moments caused by cable torque, which results from the spatial distance between the point of cable force application and the yaw axis, leading to undesirable changes in direction and impaired grooming quality.
Innovation Solution
A control device is implemented to compensate for cable torque by engaging with various energy flows and control units, utilizing sensors to determine cable angles and positions, and adjusting piste grooming apparatuses or driving units to minimize rotational movements around the yaw axis, thereby reducing yawing moments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cable winch is installed at a distance from the yaw axis to provide cable traction force, then the vehicle can operate on highly sloping piste regions, but a yawing moment is generated that causes unstable driving performance and increases operator workload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by generating a compensating yawing moment through the control device that opposes the cable torque-induced yawing moment. The control device calculates the cable torque based on cable tension and angle, then activates control means (such as driving chains or piste grooming apparatuses) to produce an equal and opposite moment, thereby stabilizing the vehicle's driving performance while maintaining the ability to operate on steep slopes
2Force
If the point of application for cable forces is arranged at a distance from the yaw axis, then cable traction can be applied effectively, but transverse forces create additional yawing moments that require manual compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring cable tension forces and cable angles through sensors, calculating the resulting cable torque, and automatically adjusting control means to compensate for the yawing moment. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for manual operator intervention to counteract transverse forces, significantly reducing operator workload while maintaining effective cable traction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical compensation system with an automated control system that uses sensors, control devices, and actuators. Instead of the operator manually adjusting driving chains or brake forces to counteract cable torque, the control device automatically calculates and applies the necessary compensating forces, transitioning from manual mechanical control to automated electromechanical control
3Stability of the object's composition
If manual compensation for cable torque is implemented, then yawing moments can be counteracted, but operator attention is distracted from grooming tasks and stability may be compromised by oversteering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service operation by implementing an automated control system that independently monitors cable forces, calculates torque, and applies compensation without operator intervention. The control device continuously adjusts control means based on real-time sensor data, allowing the vehicle to self-correct yawing moments while the operator maintains full attention on grooming tasks, thereby improving both stability and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a piste grooming vehicle with a point of application for cable forces that is associated with a cable winch, the point being at a distance from a yaw axis of the piste grooming machine, at least one control device being provided and being operatively connected to at least one control for automatically compensating at least one cable torque that can be applied by a cable traction force of the cable winch in relation to the yaw axis.