Work Machine Pressure Sensing for Destabilization Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work machines experience destabilization during operations due to work tools contacting the ground, leading to reduced operator control, potential damage, and inefficiency, which existing systems fail to reliably detect or mitigate.
Innovation Solution
A system for work machine stabilization that monitors tire pressure and fluid pressure of actuators to detect destabilization events by comparing actual pressures against calibrated thresholds, enabling proactive stabilization actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground level detection systems (LiDAR, camera, radar) are used to detect work tool position, then ground level detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and the systems are vulnerable to damage from harsh operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical/electronic ground level detection systems (LiDAR, camera, radar) with a simplified mechanical sensing approach using pressure sensors. The pressure sensors detect changes in tire pressure and actuator fluid pressure to infer work tool contact with the work surface, eliminating the need for vulnerable optical systems while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces tire pressure and fluid pressure as intermediary measurement variables. Instead of directly detecting ground level contact, the system uses pressure changes in the tire and actuator fluid as indirect indicators that the work tool has contacted the work surface, providing a reliable detection mechanism that works in harsh conditions.
2Productivity
If work tool contacts work surface to perform digging operations, then work capability is improved, but work machine stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that continuously monitors tire pressure and actuator fluid pressure. When the work tool contacts the work surface, the pressure changes are detected and fed back to the control system, which then adjusts work tool operation or alerts the operator to maintain machine stability while continuing productive work.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If work machine operates autonomously or remotely, then operator safety is improved, but ability to detect destabilization events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the work machine to self-monitor its own stability condition through integrated pressure sensors and control systems. The machine autonomously detects destabilization events by monitoring pressure changes in tires and actuators, eliminating the need for continuous operator attention while maintaining safety through automated detection and alerting capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a control system may monitor load information of the work machine, the load information including: first tire pressure information of a first one or more tires, second tire pressure information of a second one or more tires, and fluid pressure information of one or more actuators configured to actuate the work tool. The control system may detect a destabilization event of the work machine based on: a change in tire pressure of the first one or more tires satisfying a first tire pressure threshold, a change in tire pressure of the second one or more tires satisfying a second tire pressure threshold, and a change in fluid pressure of the one or more actuators satisfying a fluid pressure threshold. The control system may perform, based on detecting the destabilization event, one or more actions.