Work Machine Actuator Control With Switchable Input Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines, such as excavators, require individual operation inputs for each actuator, limiting the effective utilization of operation inputs when a function for operating multiple actuators with one input is activated.
Innovation Solution
A work machine and information processing apparatus that allows one operation input to control multiple actuators in different modes, enabling simultaneous or adjusted operation of two or more actuators, and includes a controller to manage these operations automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If one operation input controls multiple actuators in second mode, then operational efficiency is improved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The operation receiving unit is designed to handle multiple operation inputs that can be flexibly allocated to control different actuators. The controller dynamically assigns operation inputs to actuators based on the selected mode, enabling one operation input to control multiple actuators in second mode or different actuators in first mode. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its control structure rather than requiring complex dedicated controls for each actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically switches between first mode and second mode based on operational requirements. In first mode, each actuator is controlled by a dedicated operation input. In second mode, one operation input can control multiple actuators simultaneously. This dynamic reconfiguration of control relationships resolves the contradiction by adjusting system complexity according to the actual operational context rather than maintaining fixed complex controls.
2Ease of operation
If multiple actuators are controlled by one operation input, then the number of operation inputs is reduced, but control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the control configuration between first mode (dedicated control for each actuator) and second mode (shared control). When high precision is required, the system operates in first mode where each actuator receives dedicated control input. When operational simplicity is prioritized, second mode allows one operation input to control multiple actuators. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting control precision to the specific operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters by adjusting which actuators are controlled by which operation inputs based on the selected mode. In second mode, the system modifies the control allocation parameters to enable one operation input to simultaneously control multiple actuators with adjusted control characteristics. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain functional control while reducing the number of operation inputs required.
3Measurement precision
If first mode is used for individual actuator control, then control precision is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between first mode (dedicated control) and second mode (shared control) based on operational requirements. When precision is critical, first mode provides dedicated control for each actuator. When efficiency is prioritized, second mode allows one operation input to control multiple actuators simultaneously. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for either precision or efficiency depending on the task at hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The operation receiving unit and controller are designed with multi-functionality to handle both dedicated control (first mode) and shared control (second mode) scenarios. This universal design allows the system to maintain precision when needed through first mode while achieving efficiency gains through second mode, resolving the contradiction by making the control system adaptable rather than fixed.
4Productivity
If second mode is used for simultaneous actuator operation, then operational efficiency is improved, but system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between first mode (dedicated control for reliability) and second mode (shared control for efficiency) based on operational context. When reliability is critical, first mode ensures each actuator has dedicated control input. When efficiency is prioritized, second mode allows simultaneous control of multiple actuators. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the control structure to balance reliability and efficiency requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller adjusts control allocation parameters dynamically based on the selected mode. In second mode, when one operation input controls multiple actuators, the system modifies control parameters to distribute the control signal appropriately while monitoring system state. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain acceptable reliability levels even in shared control mode by adapting control characteristics to the current operational configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a plurality of actuators and an operation receiving unit for receiving a plurality of operation inputs concerning the plurality of actuators. In a first mode, one actuator among the plurality of actuators operates by one operation input among the plurality of operation inputs. In a second mode, two or more actuators among the plurality of actuators operate by the one operation input. In the second mode, in response to another operation input different from the one operation input among the plurality of operation inputs, an actuator other than the two or more actuators among the plurality of actuators is operated, or a parameter concerning the actuator that operates by the one operation input among the plurality of actuators is adjusted.