Work Machine Controller Directional Speed Settings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional work machines, such as backhoes, have a fixed movement and response speed for attachments like breakers and grapples, making it difficult for operators to adjust these speeds manually for different operational directions, leading to challenging attachment operations and potential inadvertent movement issues.

Innovation Solution

A work machine with a controller that allows independent setting of operation signal changes for each operational direction of the actuator, using electromagnetic valves to adjust pilot pressure and enable multiple operational modes, including a non-effective mode to prevent inadvertent movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed pilot pressure is provided to a control valve for one operational amount of the operational member, then the control system is simple, but the movement speed and response speed of the actuator cannot be adjusted for different operational directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of movement speed and response speed for different operational directionsVSAvoidcomplexity of control system with independent settings for each direction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple electromagnetic valves (first electromagnetic valve for first operational direction, second electromagnetic valve for second operational direction). Each electromagnetic valve independently controls the pilot pressure for its respective direction, allowing separate adjustment of movement speed and response speed for each operational direction without affecting the other direction's settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a fixed pilot pressure control to a dynamic control where the pilot pressure can be adjusted independently for each operational direction. The electromagnetic valves enable real-time modification of the operation signal change amounts, allowing the actuator's movement speed and response speed to be dynamically adapted to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the actuator moves the attachment when the engine is running and the operational member is operated, then the attachment can be operated efficiently, but inadvertent operation may cause accidental movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of attachment operationVSAvoidrisk of inadvertent operation and accidental movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller receives operational signals from the operational member and processes them through electromagnetic valves that adjust pilot pressure based on the operational direction. This feedback mechanism allows the system to recognize intentional operations while preventing inadvertent movements through controlled response characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of operation signal change amounts independently for different operational directions. By adjusting these parameters, the controller can differentiate between intentional operational inputs and inadvertent movements, allowing efficient operation when intended while preventing accidental movement when not intended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enhances the operability of attachments by allowing customizable speed and response settings for each direction, improving ease of use and preventing accidental movement, thus facilitating safer and more efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of electromagnetic valve connected to said control valve and provided in correspondence with a plurality of operational directions of said actuator; said each electromagnetic valve is operable in response to said operation signal to adjust a pilot pressure for said control valve, thus adjusting an opening degree of said control valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic valve operation: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

said actuator is operable by working oil; said work machine further comprises a control valve for feeding the working oil to the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic control: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentUS7430954B2Work machine

Publication Date: 2008.10.07 KUBOTA CORP

AI summary

A work machine includes an attachment movable by an actuator, an operational member for operating the attachment through the actuator; and a controller operable to output an operation signal for operating the actuator in response to an operation of the operational member. The controller allows setting of a change amount in the operation signal corresponding to an operational amount of the operational member, independently for each operational direction of the actuator.