Work Machine Control System Adaptive Hydraulic Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work machine control systems are unable to identify the application being performed or the operator's experience level, leading to inefficient operation and potential wear or safety issues, as they do not tailor hydraulic pressures and flow rates accordingly.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes sensors to gather operational data from work machines and tools, a control unit to analyze this data, and a strategy to alter the operation based on identified applications and operator experience levels, with optional operator approval for changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional work machine control systems use fixed hydraulic pressures and flow rates, then the system structure remains simple, but the machine cannot adapt to different applications and operator skill levels, leading to inefficient operation and potential safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts hydraulic pressures and flow rates based on real-time sensing of operational characteristics and identified applications. The system transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters, allowing the hydraulic circuit to automatically optimize performance for different work conditions and operator skill levels without requiring manual intervention or complex reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously sensing operational characteristics (pressure, flow, temperature) and using this information to identify the current application being performed. The control unit processes this feedback data and automatically adjusts hydraulic parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions while maintaining appropriate complexity through automated decision-making algorithms
2Productivity
If the control system tailors hydraulic operations to specific applications and operator skills, then efficiency and safety improve, but the complexity of sensing and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it senses operational characteristics, identifies applications, determines operator skill levels, and adjusts hydraulic parameters all through a single integrated control system. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what could be separate complex systems into one unified controller, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment by automatically sensing its own operational state and making appropriate modifications to hydraulic parameters without external intervention. The control unit autonomously identifies applications and skill levels, then self-regulates the hydraulic circuit to optimize performance, reducing the need for manual monitoring and adjustment while enhancing efficiency
3Ease of operation
If the system automatically alters operation based on sensed characteristics, then operation specific to application is achieved, but operator control and approval mechanisms become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary analysis of operational characteristics and pre-identifies the application being performed before making automatic adjustments. By sensing and analyzing data in advance, the system prepares adjustment recommendations and presents them to the operator for approval, rather than making sudden unexpected changes. This preliminary action reduces operator surprise and complexity by providing context before automatic alteration occurs
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of operating a work machine having at least one work tool. The method includes sensing at least one operational characteristic of the work machine indicative of an application of the work tool. The operation of the work machine is altered in response to a new application of the work tool.