Wheel Loader Control Lever Kickdown Switches for Scooping Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wheel loaders with two control levers for operating the arm and bucket require delicate and concentrated control during scooping operations, leading to variability in operator grip and potential slipping issues due to excessive driving force, affecting control operability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The flexible placement of kickdown switches and mode changeover switches on the arm and bucket control levers allows for easier and more precise control of running driving force, enabling operators to switch between modes without releasing the control device, optimizing grip position and reducing the risk of slipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the wheel loader operates with a large running driving force during scooping operations, then the bucket can penetrate into the material effectively, but the wheels may slip and gouge the road surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the running mode changeable during operation. The control system dynamically switches between first running mode (emphasizing fuel economy) and second running mode (emphasizing workability) based on operational needs. This allows the wheel loader to adapt the running driving force dynamically - using lower force during transport to avoid wheel slip and road damage, and switching to higher force when bucket penetration into material is required.
2Measurement precision
If the operator firmly grips the control lever for delicate control during scooping, then control precision improves, but grip variability increases and operability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically adjust running mode based on operational context. The control system monitors operational state and autonomously switches between running modes without requiring manual intervention from the operator. This reduces the cognitive and physical burden on the operator, allowing them to maintain consistent grip on the control lever while the system handles the complexity of force management automatically.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the wheel loader emphasizes fuel economy during transport operations, then energy efficiency improves, but the ability to generate large running driving force for scooping operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics through a changeable running mode system that adapts power output to operational requirements. During transport operations (moving loaded bucket from excavation site to dump location), the system operates in first running mode emphasizing fuel economy with lower engine power output. When scooping operations require bucket penetration into material, the system switches to second running mode that emphasizes workability with higher power output, ensuring sufficient running driving force is available when needed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wheel loader 100 includes a vehicle body 110 having wheels 113, 114, a work implement 120 including an arm 121, a bucket 122, and an arm cylinder 123 and a bucket cylinder 123 that drive the arm 121 and the bucket 122, respectively, and a work implement control device 20 that directs an operation of the work implement 120. The work implement control device 20 includes an arm control lever 11 disposed on the right of a driver's seat 21, the arm control lever 11 controlling operations of the arm, and two kickdown switches 16, 17 disposed at an upper surface and a left side surface, respectively, of a grip 11a of the arm control lever 11. Operability can thereby be improved even further.