Work Vehicle Blade Control for Material Flow Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grade control systems for work vehicles do not account for the type of surface material being graded, leading to inefficient grading operations and reduced productivity due to varying material characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first sensor system to measure material height, a second sensor system to monitor blade position and height, and an actuator system, all communicatively coupled to an electronic data processor, which determines the material flow rate and dynamically adjusts operating parameters of the material transport blade within a predetermined threshold to maximize productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current grade control systems are used to adjust the implement, then the grading operation can be performed, but the system does not account for surface material characteristics leading to poor performance and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts implement parameters (blade depth, angle, position) in real-time based on sensor feedback about surface material characteristics and grading progress, transforming a static control system into an adaptive one that responds to changing material conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor surface material properties and grading outcomes, feeding this information back to the control system which then adjusts implement parameters to optimize performance for each specific material type encountered
2Reliability
If increased machine effort is applied to handle difficult surface materials, then grading can continue, but performance deteriorates and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of surface material characteristics using sensors before initiating grading operations, allowing the control system to pre-adjust implement parameters to optimal settings for the specific material type, preventing excessive machine effort from the start
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operating parameters (blade depth, speed, angle) based on detected material characteristics, optimizing the balance between machine effort and grading effectiveness for each material type rather than applying constant high effort
Data Source
AI summary
A system for maximizing productivity of a work vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a first sensor system that generates a first signal output indicative of a height of a material arranged forward of the work vehicle. A second sensor system generates a second signal output indicative of a position and height of a material transport blade coupled to the work vehicle. An actuator system configured to adjust the position and height of the material transport blade. An electronic data processor is communicatively coupled to each of the first sensor system, the second sensor system, and the actuator system. The electronic data processor determines a material flow rate based on the first and second signal outputs, and generates a command signal received by the actuator system to dynamically adjust a plurality of operating parameters associated with the material transport blade to maximize the material flow rate.