Construction Machine Ride Control via Elevation Cylinder Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction machines, such as cold planer and rotary mixer machines, face challenges in maintaining stability and smooth operation while traversing uneven terrain, leading to operator discomfort and potential interference with cutting operations due to jarring movements and changes in topography.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a frame with vertically movable legs, a hydraulic system, pressure sensors, and a controller that adjusts the height of the legs in response to changes in hydraulic pressure, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of the machine's movement to maintain orientation and reduce jarring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the machine traverses uneven terrain with fixed leg height, then the machine can maintain structural simplicity, but operator discomfort increases and cutting operations are interfered with due to jarring movements
Solution Approach 1:
The leg height is made dynamically adjustable through a control system that responds to terrain changes. The controller receives input from sensors (accelerometers, GPS, depth sensors) and automatically adjusts leg positions to maintain machine stability and operator comfort while traversing uneven terrain, transforming a static structure into an adaptive dynamic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements feedback mechanisms using sensors that continuously monitor machine orientation, leg position, and terrain conditions. This feedback loop allows the controller to make real-time adjustments to leg height, ensuring operator comfort and stable cutting operations while adapting to changing terrain conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If the machine adjusts leg height to maintain stability on uneven terrain, then operator comfort and cutting precision improve, but the hydraulic system complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary adjustments to leg height before cutting operations begin, anticipating terrain variations through sensor data. By pre-positioning the legs to account for upcoming terrain changes, the system minimizes the need for frequent hydraulic adjustments during cutting, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining cutting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting leg height in response to terrain conditions. The controller modifies leg position parameters based on sensor input, allowing the machine to adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining stable cutting depth. This parameter adjustment optimizes the balance between cutting precision and hydraulic energy usage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the machine uses a rigid frame structure, then manufacturing and assembly are simpler, but the machine cannot adapt to changing topography and experiences jarring movements
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into multiple adjustable sections connected by articulation points. This segmentation allows different parts of the frame to move independently, enabling the machine to adapt to uneven terrain while maintaining overall structural integrity. The segmented design facilitates terrain adaptation without requiring a completely complex flexible frame construction.
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
The system effectively reduces operator discomfort, maintains desired cut characteristics, and ensures stable operation by adjusting the machine's orientation and height in response to terrain changes, enhancing both the cutting process and overall machine stability.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic system to control a height of the plurality of vertically moveable legs
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor for sensing hydraulic pressure in at least one of the plurality of vertically movable legs
Data Source
AI summary
A road work machine comprises a frame, a plurality of ground engaging units, a plurality of vertically moveable legs connecting the plurality of ground engaging units to the frame, respectively, a hydraulic system to control heights of the plurality of vertically moveable legs, pressure sensors for sensing hydraulic pressures in the plurality of vertically movable legs, and a controller configured to, in response to signals received from the pressure sensors, generate a control signal. A method for ride control can comprise adjusting an attitude of the machine in response to sensed pressures.