Wear Element Wiring Channels for Reliable Buried Sensor Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing earth moving machines face challenges in reliably and efficiently transmitting data from multiple wear elements due to interference, propagation losses, and power consumption issues in wireless systems, which are exacerbated during critical operations, leading to potential machine malfunction and increased maintenance frequency.
Innovation Solution
A wired connection system is introduced within the wear elements, utilizing channels and cavities to route electric wires directly from sensors to other parts of the machine, ensuring reliable data transmission and power supply without interference, even during buried operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wireless transmission is used for sensors in wear elements, then installation ease is improved, but transmission reliability deteriorates due to interference and propagation losses during buried operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wired connections as an intermediary medium between sensors and the control system. Instead of relying on wireless signals that are blocked by ground material, physical wires provide a reliable transmission path that penetrates through the wear element and extends to the surface or into protected channels, ensuring continuous data flow regardless of the wear element's burial status.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the wireless electromagnetic field-based transmission system with a wired mechanical/electrical connection system. This substitution eliminates the interference and propagation loss problems inherent in wireless systems by using physical conductors that are immune to electromagnetic interference and material blockage.
2Reliability
If wired connections are used for sensors in wear elements, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to wiring integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the wear element multi-functional by integrating it as both a ground-engaging tool and a housing for sensors and wiring. The wear element structure is designed to incorporate sensor mounting features, cable access points, and protective channels, allowing a single component to serve both its traditional digging function and the new function of protecting and routing wired connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where sensors are housed within cavities in the wear element, wiring is routed through channels embedded in the wear element structure, and the entire assembly is integrated into the wear element itself. This nesting approach consolidates multiple functions into a compact, organized arrangement that reduces overall system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are installed in wear elements to monitor loads, then measurement capability is improved, but the wear elements become more vulnerable to damage from ground material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides protective measures in advance by designing the wear element with sensor-protective features such as recessed mounting areas, protective channels for wiring, and strategically positioned sensor locations that minimize exposure to ground material impacts. These protective structures are built into the wear element design before deployment, cushioning the sensors against potential damage from the harsh operating environment.
Data Source
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Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
An assembly for an earth moving machine, comprising: a first member and a second member coupled with the first member, the first member being a wear element for digging implements, the second member being digging implements or a second wear element for digging implements, the first member comprising: a first cavity adapted to receive at least one sensor, and a channel adapted to receive at least one electric wire; and at least one electric wire, one or more electric wires thereof being introduced in both the channel and the first cavity, and being attached to the second member. Also, an earth moving machine comprising the assembly, and a method for wiring.