Traction Control via Wheel Speed Sensing and Braking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled power machines, especially work vehicles, face traction issues on slippery and uneven surfaces even with all-wheel drive systems, as existing technologies fail to effectively distribute torque to maintain optimal traction across all wheels.
Innovation Solution
A traction control system that includes a power source with rotational output driving first and second axle assemblies, a wheel speed sensor monitoring one wheel, a rotational output speed sensor, and a controller that calculates a traction score to determine slipping wheels and adjusts torque distribution by braking appropriate wheels to enhance traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If all-wheel drive system is used, then power delivery to wheels is improved, but traction control on slippery and uneven surfaces deteriorates due to inability to effectively distribute torque
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different braking forces to individual wheels based on their specific traction conditions. The controller independently controls brake application to each wheel, allowing localized adjustment of torque distribution according to the actual traction status of each wheel, thereby resolving the contradiction between power delivery and traction control on slippery surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the braking parameter (brake force) applied to each wheel based on real-time traction assessment. By monitoring wheel speeds and calculating traction scores, the controller adjusts brake application intensity and duration to optimize torque distribution, transforming the fixed power delivery characteristic into a dynamically adaptable system that maintains reliability on varying surface conditions.
2Power
If brake system applies braking force to wheels, then torque distribution to wheels is improved, but wheel speed control precision deteriorates due to potential over-braking or under-braking
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors wheel speeds and compares actual performance against target values. The controller receives feedback from wheel speed sensors and adjusts brake application in real-time, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains precision in wheel speed control while achieving effective torque distribution to improve power delivery.
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 increases torque delivery to wheels with better traction, improving the power machine's ability to operate in challenging environments by sensing and compensating for reduced traction on one side, thereby enhancing overall operational stability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a wheel speed sensor monitors the speed of rotation of the first sensed wheel
Implementation Method 2
a rotational output speed sensor monitors a speed of rotation of the rotational output
Implementation Method 3
A brake system is operable to brake the first and second wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A disclosed power machine has a power source with a rotational output that drives a first axle assembly with first and second wheels with one of the first and second wheels being a sensed wheel. Wheel speed and rotational speed sensors monitor the rotation speed of the first sensed wheel and the rotational output, respectively. A controller communicates with the wheel speed sensor, the rotational output speed sensor, and a braking system that is operable to brake the first and second wheels. A controller calculates, as a function of the sensed wheel and rotational output speeds, a traction score indicative of whether one of the first wheel and second wheel is slipping and signals to the braking system to brake the first wheel when the traction score indicates that the first wheel is slipping and brake the second wheel when the traction score indicates that the second wheel is slipping.