Work Cycle Detection for Mobile Machine Implement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current forestry equipment systems face difficulties in accurately detecting and characterizing machine activities on a per-cycle basis, making it challenging to track high-resolution data and associate sensor information with specific operations, due to the complexity of machines performing multiple activities with various subsystems and attachments.
Innovation Solution
A work cycle detection and control system that includes an angle detector, range detector, and work cycle logic to identify specific work cycles based on the angular position and degree range of a mobile machine's implement, generating action signals for improved performance monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sensor systems are used to detect machine activity, then sensor information can be collected, but the ability to accurately characterize and track machine activities on a per-cycle basis is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments machine activity detection into discrete work cycles, where each work cycle is identified and characterized separately. The system divides continuous operation into distinct cycles (e.g., harvest, transport, delimbing) and applies specific detection logic to each cycle type, enabling precise per-cycle measurement without overwhelming system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification of work cycles before detailed activity characterization. By first identifying the type of work cycle being performed and then applying cycle-specific detection parameters, the system prepares the detection framework in advance, improving measurement precision while managing complexity through structured preprocessing.
2Loss of information
If multiple sensors and subsystems are used to track machine operations, then more data can be collected, but associating sensor information with specific operations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sensor information from multiple subsystems (hydraulic, electrical, mechanical sensors) into a unified work cycle characterization framework. By consolidating data from diverse sources and processing them through a single work cycle identification logic, the system maintains accurate association between sensor data and operations without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The work cycle identification system acts as an intermediary layer between multiple sensors and the final operation characterization. This intermediary logic receives inputs from various subsystems, correlates them with identified work cycle types, and produces unified operation descriptions, thereby preventing information loss while managing the complexity of multiple data sources.
3Measurement precision
If detailed per-cycle tracking is implemented, then high-resolution data can be obtained, but the system becomes more complex and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting control into work cycle-specific modes, the system provides high-resolution per-cycle data while maintaining operational simplicity. Each work cycle type (harvest, transport, delimbing) has its own detection and control parameters, allowing detailed tracking without requiring the operator to manage a single complex unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its detection and control parameters based on the identified work cycle type. Rather than using fixed complex parameters throughout operation, the system adjusts its monitoring and control behavior to match the current work cycle, providing high-resolution data when needed while simplifying operation during different phases of machine work.
Data Source
AI summary
A work cycle detection and control system includes an angle detector that detects an angular position of an implement, operably coupled to a mobile machine, relative to a base of the mobile machine. The system also includes a range detector that detects a degree range of rotation, about the base, in which the angular position of the implement is located. Work cycle logic identifies a particular work cycle, from a plurality of different work cycles, that the mobile machine is performing, based on the degree range. An action signal generator generates an action signal, based on the particular work cycle.