Work Machine Counterweight Balance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing work machines with multiple axles face challenges in maneuverability, flexibility, and energy efficiency due to the need for large and powerful axles and wheels to maintain stability, while single-axle vehicles lack the ability to carry loads without disrupting their balance.
Innovation Solution
A work machine with a single primary vehicle axle, where wheel elements on both sides are driven separately and controlled by a closed-loop system, and a counterweight that can be shifted to maintain balance and adjust the center of gravity, allowing for agile steering and load management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple axles are used to maintain stability, then stability is improved, but weight and part density increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight arranged on the vehicle frame to compensate for the shifting center of gravity caused by implement loads. The counterweight moves in opposition to the load changes, maintaining vehicle stability without requiring multiple heavy axles. This resolves the contradiction by using active weight compensation rather than static structural reinforcement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic center of gravity compensation system where the counterweight position is continuously adjusted based on real-time load conditions detected by sensors. This dynamic adjustment maintains stability throughout operation rather than relying on fixed heavy-duty components, thereby reducing overall vehicle weight while preserving stability.
2Strength
If large and powerful axles and wheels are used to handle heavy loads, then load capacity is improved, but weight and primary energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
By using a counterweight to actively compensate for implement loads, the system prevents excessive weight transfer to the axles and wheels during operation. This allows the use of lighter axle and wheel components while maintaining the ability to handle heavy loads, as the counterweight offsets the dynamic loading rather than relying on oversized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the axle and wheel system by implementing active center of gravity compensation. This transforms the loading conditions from static heavy-duty requirements to dynamic balanced conditions, allowing the use of lighter components with lower primary energy consumption while maintaining load handling capability.
3Ease of operation
If skid-steer steering is used to improve maneuverability, then steering capability is improved, but tire wear increases and drive energy is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vehicle into independently controllable left and right drive units, each with its own drive motor. This segmentation allows for differential steering where each side can be controlled independently, enabling agile maneuverability without the need for skid-steer lateral wheel shifting, thereby avoiding excessive tire wear and unnecessary drive energy consumption.
4Weight of moving object
If a single axle is used to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but the ability to carry loads without disrupting balance is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic balance control system with sensors that continuously monitor the center of gravity position and automatically adjust the counterweight position to maintain balance. This dynamic compensation enables a single-axle lightweight vehicle to carry heavy implement loads while maintaining stable balance, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and balance stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a work machine (1, 1.1, 1.2) comprising: a work unit (2, 2.1, 2.2) or a receptacle (16) for a work unit, exactly one primary vehicle axis (3), wheel elements (4) arranged on both sides of the primary vehicle axis (3), drive units associated with the wheel elements (4), at least one control, wherein the control comprises at least one control circuit and effects a self-balancing of the work machine (1, 1.1, 1.2) about the main vehicle axis (3), and a counter-weight (5), wherein a position of the counter-weight (5) relative to the primary vehicle axis (3) is controllable via the control, and therefore the work machine (1, 1.1, 1.2) can be balanced about the primary vehicle axis (3) and controlled in the movement directions thereof via a position shift of the counter-weight (5).