Abstract:
A method for selecting an attack pose, when loading piled materials, for a working machine having a bucket includes acquiring three dimensional pile data, generating a set of attack poses, generating a bucket trajectory through the pile for each attack pose, for each attack pose in the set of attack poses, calculating a measure of a convexity of the pile surface for an area of the pile surface delimited by a bucket width and a vertical projection of the bucket trajectory, and selecting an attack pose based on the measure of convexity.
Abstract:
A system and method for various levels of automation of a swing-to-hopper motion for a rope shovel. An operator controls a rope shovel during a dig operation to load a dipper with materials. A controller receives position data, either via operator input or sensor data, for the dipper and a hopper where the materials are to be dumped. The controller then calculates an ideal path for the dipper to travel to be positioned above the hopper to dump the contents of the dipper. In some embodiments, the controller outputs operator feedback to assist the operator in traveling along the ideal path to the hopper. In some embodiments, the controller restricts the dipper motion such that the operator is not able to deviate beyond certain limits of the ideal path. In some embodiments, the controller automatically controls the movement of the dipper to reach the hopper.
Abstract:
A machine includes a frame having ground engaging propulsion elements coupled therewith, and a hydraulically actuated implement system having a linkage, an implement coupled with the linkage, and a hydraulic actuator coupled with the linkage. The machine further includes a control system having an electronic control unit configured to receive an implement down force control command, and responsively adjust a pressure of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic actuator such that the implement rests with controlled down force upon a substrate below the machine. The controlled down force may be less than a quiescent down force of the hydraulically actuated implement system. Related methodology is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with a boom. A first sensor detects a boom angle of a boom with respect to a support (or a vehicle). An attachment is coupled to one end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position of attachment based on a second linear position of a second movable member of the second hydraulic cylinder. An accelerometer detects an acceleration or deceleration of the boom. A switch is arranged to accept a command to move to a preset position from another position. A controller is capable of controlling the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position in response to the command in conformity with at least one of a desired boom motion curve and a desired attachment motion curve.
Abstract:
A method and system for automated operation of a work vehicle comprises a boom having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A first hydraulic cylinder is associated with the boom. A first sensor detects a boom position based on a first linear position of a first movable member associated with the first hydraulic cylinder. An attachment is coupled to the second end of the boom. A second hydraulic cylinder is associated with the attachment. A second sensor detects an attachment position based on a second linear position of a second movable member associated with the second hydraulic cylinder. A switch accepts a command to move to or enter a preset position state from another position state. A controller controls the first hydraulic cylinder to attain a target boom position and for controlling the second cylinder to attain a target attachment position associated with the preset position state in response to the command.
Abstract:
A method and system for controlling a work implement having a ground engaging tool is provided. A swing command is supplied to a swing assembly to move the ground engaging tool in an arcuate path about a vertical axis. A crowd command is determined based on the velocity of the swing assembly and is calculated to generate a resulting net movement of the ground engaging tool toward a predetermined end point. The crowd command is supplied to a crowd mechanism to move the ground engaging tool towards the predetermined end point.
Abstract:
A return to dig system for a work machine having at least one implement is actuated by a hydraulic cylinder using a switch, such as with a push button, to control a valve and solenoid to move the implement from a remote position to a preselected position, usually the starting position. The preselected position is determined by a sensor and a detectable element, such as a magnet. The location of the detectable element may be adjusted to provide a plurality of preselected positions. When the detectable element is sensed, the solenoid is repositioned to stop movement of the implement. The push button is located on a device that controls the movement of the implement and various other functions of the work machine. The actuation of the return to dig system by the push button does not affect any other unrelated function of the work machine controlled by the device.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for calibrating sensors of a tool positioning mechanism on a mobile machine are provided. The mobile machine includes a tool, a tool positioning mechanism having a plurality of sensors for providing signals indicative of the physical configuration of the mechanism, a satellite positioning system, and a plurality of positioning system antennas. One of the antennas is detachably mounted on the tool while an other antenna is mounted to a location on the machine other than on the tool. With the positioning mechanism configured so that the tool is at its maximum height, the satellite positioning system is operated to acquire real-time kinematic (RTK) data from the antennas and to process the RTK data to precisely determine the position of the tool. The sensors are then calibrated based on the precisely determined position of the tool.
Abstract:
A control system for automatically controlling a work implement of an excavating machine through a machine work cycle in disclosed. The work implement including a boom, stick and bucket, each being controllably actuated by at least one respective hydraulic cylinder. A plurality of command signal magnitudes associated with at least one hydraulic cylinder are stored. The command signal magnitudes are represented by a plurality of control curves, where each control curve is responsive to a material condition setting that is representative of a predetermined condition of the excavating material. A microprocessor selects one of the plurality of control curves and responsively produces a command signal having a magnitude dictated by the selected control curve. A electrohydraulic system receives the command signal and controllably actuates predetermined ones of the hydraulic cylinders to perform the work cycle.
Abstract:
An automatic control system for a backhoe utilizing a bucket at the end of a rigid boom is disclosed herein. The automatic control system includes an actuator cooperating with a control valve that controls the flow of fluid to hydraulic rams that pivot the boom. The control system also includes position indicating means between the boom and the frame and a manually settable control element both of which produce output signals that are combined and activate the actuator so that the implement is moved at a rate which corresponds to the differences between the respective signals.