Ripper Depth Control via Electro-Hydraulic Cylinder Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual control of ripper depth on construction equipment requires significant operator skill and time, as adjusting the ripper shank depth involves physically repositioning pins, which is inefficient and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
An automatic ripper depth control system that electronically senses the lift cylinder length and uses an electro-hydraulic controller to limit the ripper depth, preventing excessive engagement with the ground by processing operator inputs and sensor signals to adjust the ripper lift and pitch cylinder commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control method is used to adjust ripper depth by repositioning pins, then the ripper depth can be adjusted, but it requires significant operator skill and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pin-repositioning system with an electronic control system. The electro-hydraulic controller receives operator inputs and automatically actuates the lift cylinder to adjust ripper depth, eliminating the need for manual pin handling and mechanical repositioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service depth adjustment where the operator simply inputs desired depth parameters, and the automated control system independently executes the adjustment by controlling the hydraulic cylinder actuation, without requiring operator intervention in the mechanical adjustment process.
2Reliability
If manual pin repositioning is used to change ripper length, then depth adjustment is achieved, but it is prone to errors and requires considerable skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the mechanical pin-repositioning method with an electronic control system that uses sensor feedback and automated actuation. The system electronically controls the lift cylinder based on operator inputs, eliminating manual mechanical operations that are prone to human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensor feedback to monitor the actual ripper depth and compares it with the desired depth parameter. The electro-hydraulic controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the lift cylinder actuation, ensuring accurate depth control without relying on operator skill or manual measurement.
3Ease of operation
If electronic sensing and control system is implemented, then operator effort and skill requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electro-hydraulic controller serves multiple functions: it processes operator inputs, receives sensor feedback, calculates required cylinder actuation, and controls the hydraulic system. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated controller, the system manages complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes a hydraulic actuation system controlled by an electro-hydraulic controller. The hydraulic system provides the necessary force and smooth actuation for ripper depth adjustment, leveraging the strengths of hydraulic technology to achieve precise control with automated actuation.
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 system enables precise and efficient control of ripper depth, reducing operator effort and skill requirements, while ensuring consistent and optimal engagement with the ground, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing the risk of errors.
Implementation Method 1
The lift cylinder sensor senses the position of the ripper lift cylinder and generates a lift cylinder position signal
Implementation Method 2
the pitch cylinder sensor senses the position of the ripper pitch cylinder and generates a pitch cylinder position signal
Implementation Method 3
The ripper electro-hydraulic controller processes the operator lift signal, the lift cylinder position signal and the ripper depth limit; and generates and outputs ripper lift cylinder commands
Implementation Method 4
The ripper lift cylinder commands can be output to a ripper lift spool valve controlling the raising and lowering of the ripper
Data Source
AI summary
A ripper depth limit system and method that includes a lift input for operator controls to raise and lower the ripper, a depth limit input, a lift sensor input that senses the ripper lift cylinder position, and a controller that processes the inputs to generate, execute and revise ripper lift cylinder commands that keep the ripper above the ripper depth limit. The depth limit input can select the ripper depth limit from a plurality of predefined depth limits, or between minimum and maximum ripper depths, or by some other method. The ripper depth limit system can also include a pitch input for operator controls of ripper pitch, and a pitch sensor that senses ripper pitch cylinder position, and the controller can process the pitch inputs to generate, execute and revise ripper pitch and lift cylinder commands that keep the ripper above the ripper depth limit.