Work Machine Lift-Force Feedback for Adaptive Excavation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work machine control systems perform lift and tilt control with constant amounts, which may not allow for proper excavation control depending on the state of the excavation object.

Innovation Solution

A work machine control device that adjusts lift and tilt control amounts based on the state of the excavation object, using sensors and a control system to determine optimal control commands for the lift cylinder and bucket cylinder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If constant lift control amount and constant tilt control amount are used, then the control system is simple and easy to operate, but proper excavation control cannot be achieved depending on the state of the excavation object

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol operation simplicityVSAvoidexcavation control adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from constant control amounts to variable control amounts that change based on real-time excavation conditions. The control device dynamically adjusts lift control amounts and tilt control amounts according to detected excavation object states, making the control system adaptive rather than static. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity through automated dynamic adjustment while achieving proper excavation control for different object states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying control amounts (lift and tilt) based on detected excavation object parameters. The control device changes control parameters dynamically according to the state of the excavation object, enabling adaptability without requiring complex manual intervention. This allows the system to maintain ease of operation while achieving appropriate excavation control for varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If constant control amounts are used for lift and tilt, then the control device complexity is low, but excavation precision deteriorates depending on excavation object state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol device complexityVSAvoidexcavation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by using detection results of the excavation object state to adjust control amounts in real-time. The control device receives feedback about the excavation object condition and automatically modifies lift and tilt control amounts accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables high excavation precision without requiring complex manual control systems, as the automated feedback loop handles the complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs self-service by automatically adjusting control parameters based on detected excavation conditions without requiring complex external intervention. The system serves itself by using its own detection capabilities to make real-time control adjustments, achieving high precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through autonomous parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If variable control amounts based on excavation object state are used, then excavation precision is improved, but control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexcavation precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a control device that performs multiple functions: detection of excavation object state, calculation of appropriate control amounts, and execution of control commands. This multi-functional integration achieves high excavation precision while managing system complexity through a unified control architecture that handles all functions in a coordinated manner rather than requiring separate complex subsystems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3896230B1Work machine control device, work vehicle, and method for controlling work machine
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 KOMATSU LTD
  • EP3896230B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3896230B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3896230B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lift force detection unit detects a lift force of a work machine. A control amount determination unit determines a control amount for the work machine based on a change amount of the detected lift force. A command output unit outputs, to an actuator driving the work machine, a control command according to the determined control amount.