Work Machine Clog Detection and Automatic Elimination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines, such as lawn mowers and snow blowers, require manual user intervention to clear clogs in discharge paths, which is cumbersome and reduces usability.
Innovation Solution
A work machine equipped with a control system that includes a detection mechanism to identify clogs and automatically performs elimination operations, such as raising and lowering the work portion and varying the rotation speed, to clear the clogs without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a clogging sensor is provided to notify the user of clogging, then the user can be informed of the clogging condition, but the user still needs to manually eliminate the clogging which reduces usability
Solution Approach 1:
The work machine performs self-service by automatically eliminating clogging in the discharge path without requiring manual user intervention. The control portion detects clogging and autonomously executes elimination operations, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses accelerated mechanical action (repeated raising and lowering of the work portion) to rapidly eliminate clogging. This intense, repeated mechanical stress acts like a strong force that quickly breaks down and removes the clogged material from the discharge path.
2Reliability
If manual elimination of clogging is required, then the discharge path can be cleared, but the operational time is reduced due to frequent user intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The control portion performs preliminary detection of clogging conditions and takes preventive action by automatically eliminating clogs before they severely impact operation. This preliminary detection and automatic response ensures the discharge path remains clear without interrupting productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control portion uses feedback from clogging detection to automatically adjust operations and eliminate clogs. The system continuously monitors for clogging conditions and responds with appropriate elimination actions, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains discharge path clearance while preserving operational time.
3Reliability
If the work portion is repeatedly raised and lowered to eliminate clogging, then the clogging is effectively removed, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing lifting portion, already part of the work machine's structure, is repurposed to perform clogging elimination. Rather than adding a separate elimination mechanism, the system uses its own existing components to clear clogs, maintaining reliability while avoiding additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting portion serves multiple functions: it raises and lowers the work portion for normal operation and also performs clogging elimination by repeated raising and lowering. This multi-functionality allows one component to handle both primary work tasks and clog clearance, reducing the need for dedicated elimination hardware.
Data Source
AI summary
A work machine includes a motive portion, a work portion driven by the motive portion, a discharge path for discharging a work object obtained as a result of the work portion rotating, and a control portion for controlling the motive portion. The control portion includes a detection portion for detecting that the discharge path is clogged with the work object, and a work control portion for, upon the detection portion detecting that the discharge path is clogged with the work object, controlling the work portion and performing an elimination operation for eliminating the clogging with the work object in the discharge path.