Transmission Gear Shift Optimization for Reversing Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous and semi-autonomous machines experience frequent gear shifting due to varying work surface profiles, leading to increased transmission temperature and wear, particularly when moving uphill or downhill, which results in inefficient operation and potential flash gear switching.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a position sensor and controller to determine optimized shift locations for the transmission based on work surface position and operating parameters, storing shift thresholds to anticipate and control gear shifts proactively, thereby reducing flash gear switching and maintaining efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission shifts based on current operating characteristics when the work surface profile varies significantly, then the machine can adapt to changing terrain conditions, but frequent gear shifting increases transmission temperature and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The planning system determines optimized shift locations in advance based on the work surface profile before the machine actually encounters them. This allows the transmission to shift proactively at predetermined locations rather than reactively during operation, reducing frequent shifting and associated wear while maintaining adaptability to terrain conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transmission shifts frequently in response to varying work surface profiles, then the machine can maintain optimal performance on different terrain, but operational efficiency decreases due to flash gear switching
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively determines optimized shift locations based on the work surface profile before the machine encounters them during operation. This preliminary planning allows the transmission to shift at predetermined optimal locations rather than reacting frequently during operation, thereby maintaining performance on varying terrain while improving operational efficiency by reducing flash gear switching.
3Productivity
If the machine operates in reverse to position itself for new material moving operations, then the machine can reposition efficiently, but frequent gear shifting during reverse operation increases transmission temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The planning system determines optimized shift locations in advance, including during reverse operation for repositioning. This allows the transmission to shift proactively at predetermined locations rather than reacting frequently during reverse operation, maintaining repositioning efficiency while reducing transmission temperature increases from frequent shifting.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining optimized shift locations of a transmission of a machine as the machine moves along a work surface includes a position sensor, a transmission having a low gear and a high gear, and a controller including a machine controller. The controller is configured to determine the position of the work surface, store a shift threshold, and control shifting between the low gear and the high gear based upon the position of the work surface and the shift threshold. The machine controller is configured to control shifting between the low gear and the high gear based upon operating parameters of the machine.