Hydraulic Shovel Control for Mode-Based Acceleration Response

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shovels lack the ability to control acceleration/deceleration characteristics based on work modes, leading to inconsistent responsiveness and operator fatigue, especially when transitioning between modes like SP and A modes.

Innovation Solution

A shovel with a control device that adjusts the acceleration/deceleration characteristics of the hydraulic actuator based on the selected work mode, utilizing a hydraulic pump, hydraulic actuator, and an operating device, with a control system that modifies the bleed valve and proportional valve settings to match the desired mode's performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the engine speed is changed to switch between work modes (SP mode and A mode), then the maximum operating speed is adjusted, but the acceleration/deceleration characteristics remain the same, causing inconsistent responsiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum operating speedVSAvoidresponsiveness consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the acceleration/deceleration characteristics adjustable according to different work modes. The control device dynamically changes the acceleration/deceleration characteristics based on the selected mode (SP mode for high speed, A mode for low speed), ensuring that the shovel's responsiveness adapts to the operator's intentions for each specific work scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Use of energy by moving object

If the shovel operates in A mode with low engine speed for fuel efficiency and safety, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the acceleration/deceleration characteristics remain rapid as in SP mode, causing the shovel to move too quickly for precise work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel efficiencyVSAvoidacceleration/deceleration speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying both the engine speed parameter and the acceleration/deceleration characteristics parameter according to the selected work mode. When A mode is selected, the control device reduces both the engine speed (for fuel efficiency) and the acceleration/deceleration characteristics (for controlled movement), ensuring that the shovel moves at an appropriately slow speed matching the operator's intention for precise and safe work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the shovel operates in SP mode with high engine speed for maximum work output, then productivity is increased, but the rapid acceleration/deceleration characteristics cause difficulty in controlling the shovel for precise operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework outputVSAvoidcontrollability for precise work
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the acceleration/deceleration characteristics to be dynamically adjusted based on the work mode. When SP mode is selected for high productivity, the control device configures the acceleration/deceleration characteristics to match the high-speed operation, and when A mode is selected for precise work, it adjusts the characteristics to provide smoother, more controlled movement, thus resolving the controllability issue while maintaining productivity benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3660228B1shovel
Publication Date: 2022.04.20 SUMITOMO CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY
  • EP3660228B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3660228B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3660228B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A shovel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower traveling body, an upper turning body pivotally mounted on the lower traveling body, a hydraulic pump mounted on the upper turning body, a hydraulic actuator driven by hydraulic oil discharged from the hydraulic pump, an operating device used to operate the actuator, and a control device configured to control an acceleration/deceleration characteristic of the hydraulic actuator in response to an operation of the operating device depending on a work mode.