Wheel Loader Implement Control for Variable-Speed Auto Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic drive control systems for work vehicles, such as wheel loaders and bulldozers, cannot drive the work implement at a desired speed, always operating at maximum speed.

Innovation Solution

A control method and system that allows the work implement to be driven at a desired speed by using a controller to adjust the driving speed based on the tilt of the operating lever, incorporating sensors and hydraulic valves to manage the boom and bucket operations, enabling precise control of the work implement's movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic drive control is executed by returning the operating lever to the neutral position after maximum movement, then the work implement can be driven to a predetermined position, but the work implement cannot be driven at a desired driving speed because it is constantly driven at maximum driving speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic drive controlVSAvoiddriving speed control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the driving speed variable rather than fixed. The control device dynamically adjusts the driving speed of the work implement based on the operating lever position during automatic drive control, allowing the speed to change from maximum to desired speeds, thus resolving the contradiction between automated operation and speed control flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the speed parameter dynamically during automatic drive control. By adjusting the driving speed parameter based on operating lever position, the system transitions from constant maximum speed to variable desired speed, enabling both automated operation and flexible speed control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the work implement is driven at maximum driving speed during automatic drive control, then the operation can be completed quickly, but the operator cannot drive the work implement at a desired driving speed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoidspeed adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts driving speed based on operating lever position, allowing transitions between maximum speed for quick operations and reduced speeds for precise control, thus achieving both high productivity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The driving speed parameter is changed dynamically during operation based on lever position, enabling the system to adapt between maximum speed for efficiency and desired speed for control, resolving the contradiction between productivity and versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3584376B1Work vehicle and work vehicle control method
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 KOMATSU LTD
  • EP3584376B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3584376B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3584376B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A wheel loader (1) is provided with a work implement (5) attached to a vehicle body, an operating lever (CL) for operating the work implement (5), a controller (25) for driving the work implement at a driving speed corresponding to a tilting amount of the operating lever (CL) relative to a neutral position, and an automatic drive control button (29) for receiving an execution instruction of an automatic drive control for automatically driving the work implement (5) as far as a predetermined position. The controller (25) executes the automatic drive control at a driving speed set in response to the amount of tilting of the operating lever (CL) when the execution instruction is received from the automatic drive control button (29) while the operating lever (CL) is tilted.