System and method for determining load distribution on a machine
AssigneeCaterpillar Inc.
InventorsJeffrey K. Berry, Qi Li, Dinny Jacob, Randall D. Pruitt
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A machine includes a frame supported on at least a first axle and a second axle and a work implement that is hydraulically powered to be displaced with respect to the frame. A powertrain disposed on the machine generates a first force for propelling the machine with respect to the ground. The machine can include an electronic controller that communicates with the powertrain and a hydraulic sensor on the hydraulic actuator. The controller is configured to determine the weight distribution directed through the front and rear axles of the machine based in part on the dynamic positioning of the work implement.
Claims20
A machine comprising:
- a frame supported on a front axle and a rear axle;
- a work implement connected to the frame and displaceable with respect to the frame by one or more hydraulic actuators;
- a hydraulic sensor operatively associated with the one or more hydraulic actuators to measure a hydraulic force applied to the work implement;
- a powertrain operatively associated with at least one of the front axle and the rear axle for generating and applying a first directional force for propelling the machine over a work surface;
- an electronic controller communicating with the hydraulic sensor and configured to determine an external vertical force applied to the work implement based on the hydraulic force and the first directional force;
- and to determine distribution of the external vertical force between the front axle and the rear axle to calculate a front axle force and rear axle force.
A method for determining load distribution between a front axle and a rear axle of a machine, the method comprising:
- measuring a hydraulic force associated with a work implement that is hydraulically-powered on the machine;
- determining a first directional force associated with a powertrain of the machine;
- calculating an external vertical force based on the hydraulic force and the first directional force;
- and
- determining distribution of the external vertical force between the front axle and the rear axle to calculate a front axle force and a rear axle force.
A system for preventing a machine from tilting about a front axle comprising:
- a work implement connected to a frame of a machine and displaceable with respect to the frame by operation of a hydraulic actuator;
- a hydraulic sensor operatively associated with the hydraulic actuator to measure a hydraulic force applied to the work implement;
- an implement position sensor measuring an angular lift position of the work implement relative to a frame of the machine;
- a powertrain operatively associated with at least one of a front axle and a rear axle on the machine and configured to generate a first directional force for propelling the machine in a travel direction;
- and
- an electronic controller communicating with the hydraulic sensor, the implement position sensor, and the powertrain, the electronic controller further configured to determine a front axle moment applied to the front axle and to compare the front axle moment with a tilting force threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.