Proportional Valve Threshold Current Control for Boom Lift Leveling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing boom lift systems require frequent manual adjustments of the initial threshold current for the proportional valve to maintain accurate leveling, which can lead to user discomfort and inefficiency due to changes in machine and ambient parameters over time.

Innovation Solution

A system that automatically adjusts the initial threshold current for the proportional valve based on the difference between the target and measured platform angles, reducing or increasing the current as needed to maintain level orientation, thereby providing active calibration and optimizing platform leveling performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual adjustment of initial threshold current levels is used for proportional valves, then the system structure remains simple, but the leveling accuracy deteriorates due to changes in machine and ambient parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts the initial threshold current level by monitoring platform angle changes and computing appropriate current adjustments, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The controller serves itself by detecting leveling status and autonomously modifying valve control parameters to maintain optimal performance under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the platform angle using angle sensors and feeds this information back to the controller. Based on the observed angle changes during leveling, the controller computes and adjusts the initial threshold current level for the proportional valve, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed initial threshold current levels are used, then the control system remains simple, but the adaptability to changing machine and ambient parameters deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to parameter changesVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the initial threshold current level based on real-time observations of platform angle changes. Instead of using a fixed current value, the controller modifies the current level adaptively in response to varying machine and ambient parameters, enabling the system to maintain optimal performance across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the electrical parameter (initial threshold current level) of the proportional valve based on observed platform behavior. By monitoring angle changes and computing appropriate current adjustments, the system modifies operational parameters to adapt to changing conditions without requiring physical reconfiguration or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If manual adjustment of threshold current is required, then the automation level remains low, but the operational efficiency deteriorates due to user discomfort and repeated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleveling efficiencyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-adjustment of the initial threshold current level by monitoring its own performance through angle sensors and autonomously computing necessary modifications. This eliminates the need for user intervention and repeated manual adjustments, significantly improving operational efficiency and user comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from angle sensors to continuously monitor leveling performance and automatically adjusts the threshold current level in response to observed conditions. This closed-loop approach eliminates manual intervention, reduces operational inefficiencies, and provides a seamless user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 ensures continuous and comfortable platform leveling without the need for manual adjustments, automatically adapting to changes in machine and ambient conditions, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

command delivery of an initial threshold current to the coil for opening the valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS20230278844A1System and method for controlling a movement function of a machine
Publication Date: 2023.09.07 TEREX SOUTH DAKOTA INC
  • US20230278844A1 patent drawing
  • US20230278844A1 patent drawing
  • US20230278844A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method for controlling a movement function of a machine having first and second components. A controller commands delivery of an initial threshold current to a coil for opening a valve in response to a user request to perform the movement function. The controller determines a difference between a measured value of a parameter associated with the first component and a target value. When a change in the difference during a first period exceeds a first change threshold, the controller commands delivery of a reduced threshold current less than the initial threshold current. When a change in the difference during a second period fails to exceed a second change threshold, the controller commands delivery of an increased threshold current greater than the initial threshold current. The reduced or increased threshold current when delivered to the coil controls movement of the first component relative to the second.