Work Vehicle Payload Weight Determination via Rotation Angle Gain

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work vehicles face challenges in accurately determining the weight of payloads supported by their work tools, especially when the upper structure is positioned at different angles relative to the undercarriage, due to variations in terrain and tool characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A work vehicle system that includes a rotation sensor to determine the rotation angle of the upper structure, a pressure sensor for fluid actuators, and a controller to calculate payload weight using a gain value associated with the rotation angle, allowing for precise weight determination through fluid pressure sensing and actuator positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the upper structure is positioned at different rotation angles relative to the undercarriage, then the work vehicle can adapt to different terrain conditions and operational requirements, but the accuracy of payload weight determination deteriorates due to variations in terrain and tool characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different terrain conditionsVSAvoidpayload weight determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the gain value based on the rotation angle of the upper structure. The controller receives rotation angle data from a rotation sensor and selects or calculates an appropriate gain value from a calibration dataset, allowing the weight determination system to adapt to different operational positions and maintain accuracy across varying terrain conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter (gain value) used in weight calculation based on the rotation angle. By storing multiple gain values corresponding to different rotation angles during calibration and selecting the appropriate gain value during operation, the system compensates for the effects of different positions and terrain variations on weight measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a simple pressure sensing system is used for weight determination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates when accounting for rotation angle variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of weight determination systemVSAvoidpayload weight determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical weight sensing mechanisms with a hydraulic pressure sensing system combined with rotational position sensing and computational processing. The fluid pressure sensor measures actuator pressure, which is then processed by the controller along with rotation angle data to calculate payload weight, eliminating the need for direct mechanical weight sensors while maintaining or improving measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediary computational process that uses rotation angle as an intermediate parameter to correct and refine the weight determination. The controller uses the rotation angle to select appropriate gain values that compensate for positional effects, serving as an intermediary correction mechanism between the raw pressure signal and the final weight calculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system enhances the accuracy of payload weight determination, accounting for changes in rotation angle and terrain, ensuring precise weight calculations for operational efficiency and compliance with weight limits.

Implementation Method 1

determining the weight of the payload based on a pressure of a fluid in fluid communication with an actuator mounted to the upper structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a rotation sensor configured to determine a rotation angle of the upper structure relative to the undercarriage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS11226225B2Work vehicle, method of determining weight of payload, and method of calibrating a weight of a payload

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A work vehicle, a method of determining a weight of a payload supported by a work tool mounted to an upper structure of a work vehicle, and a method of calibrating a weight of a payload supported by a work tool mounted to an upper structure of a work vehicle are provided. The work vehicle includes an undercarriage having a plurality of ground engaging members supporting the work vehicle, an upper structure rotatable relative to the undercarriage about a vertical axis, a rotation sensor configured to determine a rotation angle of the upper structure relative to the undercarriage, a work tool mounted to the upper structure and configured to support a payload, and a controller configured to determine a weight of the payload based at least partially on the rotation angle of the upper structure relative to the undercarriage.