Traction Control via Acceleration Differential Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled work machines experience track or wheel slip, leading to reduced fuel economy, excessive wear, and loss of operator control, particularly in varying ground conditions, as existing systems are inadequate in effectively managing slippage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising sensors to measure drive and ground acceleration, along with pitch rate, and a controller that compares these signals to generate a command signal to adjust the traction device's speed, reducing slip by modifying the operator's input command through a slip factor, thereby controlling the ground-engaging traction device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the machine operates at high speed to maintain productivity, then productivity is improved, but track or wheel slip increases leading to reduced fuel economy and excessive wear
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors drive acceleration and ground acceleration, compares these values to detect slip conditions, and automatically adjusts drive power in real-time. This closed-loop feedback control enables the system to maintain high productivity while minimizing energy loss to slip by dynamically optimizing traction utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller dynamically changes the drive power parameter based on the detected slip condition by comparing drive acceleration with ground acceleration. When slip is detected (drive acceleration exceeds ground acceleration), the system reduces drive power to eliminate slip, thereby improving fuel economy without significantly impacting productivity.
2Productivity
If the machine operates at high speed to maintain productivity, then productivity is improved, but excessive wear occurs on ground-engaging components and powertrain
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time feedback mechanism detects slip conditions by comparing drive and ground acceleration, and automatically reduces drive power when slip is detected. This prevents excessive wear on ground-engaging components and powertrain by eliminating the harmful slip condition that causes wear, thereby extending component lifespan while maintaining productivity.
3Loss of energy
If the machine reduces speed to minimize slip, then fuel economy is improved, but operator control and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automatic feedback control that detects slip conditions and adjusts drive power accordingly, eliminating the need for operator intervention. This maintains operator control and productivity while improving fuel economy, as the system automatically optimizes traction utilization without reducing overall machine performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting slip conditions through acceleration sensors and correcting the drive power without operator input. This self-service capability maintains operator control while optimizing fuel economy, as the system independently manages slip prevention.
4Loss of energy
If the machine reduces speed to minimize slip, then fuel economy is improved, but productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time feedback control system detects slip conditions and makes automatic, dynamic adjustments to drive power. This enables the system to maintain high productivity by only reducing power when slip is detected, rather than continuously operating at reduced speed. The result is improved fuel economy without significant impact on productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for automated control of a ground-engaging traction device includes sensors to indicate a speed of the ground-engaging traction device, an acceleration of the machine, and a pitch rate of the machine. A controller determines a drive acceleration based upon the speed, and a ground acceleration based upon the acceleration and the pitch rate. The controller determines a command signal at least in part based upon an operator input command signal and a difference between the drive acceleration and the ground acceleration. A method is also provided.