Track Slippage Control via Transmission Speed and Power Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing track type vehicles face significant challenges in controlling slippage, particularly in varying soil conditions, as prior art solutions rely on external sensors and actual vehicle speed measurements, lacking operator intervention and efficient traction control mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An on-board system that includes an operator-activated interface and a controller to adjust engine power based on transmission output speed, using a look-up table to determine engine power levels and reduce slippage, allowing for both operator-initiated and automatic traction control without requiring actual vehicle speed measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art solutions use external sensors and actual vehicle speed measurements to control slippage, then slippage control is achieved, but system complexity increases and operator intervention capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the slippage control function from complex external sensor systems and actual vehicle speed measurement systems, implementing it instead through the existing transmission output speed sensor that is already present in the vehicle. This eliminates the need for additional external sensors and complex vehicle speed calculation systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining slippage control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the vehicle's own existing transmission output speed sensor to provide the measurement data needed for slippage control, rather than relying on external sensors. The controller processes this internal data to determine track slippage and automatically adjusts engine power, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external measurement devices.
2Reliability
If automatic control continuously in active mode is used, then slippage control is improved, but operator control capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that can operate in multiple modes: fully automatic mode where the controller continuously adjusts engine power based on transmission output speed, and operator intervention mode where the operator can override the automatic control. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions and operator preferences, maintaining both automatic control benefits and operator control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides continuous feedback to the operator through the display about track slippage conditions and control actions being taken. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to monitor the automatic control system's performance and intervene when necessary, combining the benefits of automatic control with operator awareness and control capability.
3Reliability
If engine power is reduced to minimize track slippage, then traction control is improved, but vehicle productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial power reduction only when and where needed to control track slippage, rather than continuously reducing engine power. The controller monitors transmission output speed and only adjusts engine power when slippage is detected, allowing the vehicle to operate at full power during normal conditions and only applying power reduction as a corrective action when slippage occurs, thereby minimizing the impact on productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic monitoring and adjustment of engine power based on real-time transmission output speed measurements. Rather than continuous power reduction, the controller periodically assesses slippage conditions and makes targeted power adjustments, allowing the vehicle to maintain high productivity during periods of adequate traction while providing traction control when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An on-board system for providing traction control for a variable-load bearing vehicle having tracks subject to slippage is disclosed. The system includes a member(s) configured to be activated by an operator of the vehicle with an operator-to-vehicle interface or alternatively, automatic control without operator intervention, based only on measured actual vehicle tread speed, without obtaining actual vehicle speed. Member activation serves to control engine power level sufficient to reduce the slippage. Automatic control, after operator activation, is linked to at least one look-up table having predetermined power level values to provide the engine power level control, required to reduce the slippage.