Wireless Grading Control for Work Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic grading systems for work machines are limited to heavy, high-power machines that inhibit propulsion and lack visually perceptible feedback, making it difficult to achieve precise grading without operator intervention and coordination among machines.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight work machine with an actuator, suspension, and grading tool assembly, equipped with a wireless receiver and electronic controller for automatic position adjustment and a grading indicator providing visual feedback on grading progress, allowing for simultaneous adjustment of tool position and force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automatic control of grading tool position is implemented, then grading precision is improved, but machine weight and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical automatic control systems with a wireless receiver and electronic controller that use electromagnetic signals to control the actuator, significantly reducing the weight and power requirements while maintaining grading precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical force-based control to electronic signal-based control, allowing precise positioning of the grading tool through wireless communication without requiring increased machine weight or power
2Manufacturing precision
If automatic control of grading tool position is implemented, then grading precision is improved, but machine power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical control systems with electronic control through wireless receiver and actuator, reducing machine power requirements while achieving precise grading control
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless receiver receives periodic control signals from a remote controller, enabling automatic positioning through intermittent electronic commands rather than continuous high-power mechanical operation
3Extent of automation
If automatic position control is implemented, then grading automation is improved, but visual feedback to operator is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a visual feedback mechanism that provides real-time information to the operator about the grading tool's position and grading progress, allowing the operator to monitor and coordinate with automatic control operations
Solution Approach 2:
The visual feedback system acts as an intermediary between the automatic control system and the operator, bridging the information gap and enabling coordinated operation without requiring the operator to directly monitor control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is a work machine including an actuator coupled with a chassis, a suspension coupled with the actuator, and a tool mount coupled with the suspension. A grading tool assembly is coupled with the tool mount. A wireless receiver is coupled with the suspension. An electronic controller in operative communication with the receiver and the actuator is structured to adjust the actuator in response to a signal received by the receiver effective to simultaneously adjust the position of the receiver and the force applied to the suspension. A grading indicator is coupled with the suspension and provides a visually perceptible indication of a current state of grading relative to a desired state of grading.