Payload control system based on force and speed

• US 20090139790A1
• Filed: 11/30/2007
• Published: 06/04/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/30/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: O'Neal, Steven Wayne
• Granted Patent: US 8,065,061 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 180/290
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/13 Load or weight
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 19/086 wherein the vehicle mass is dynamically estimated
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/3728 with wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: G01G 23/3735 using a digital network

Abstract

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a payload control system for a machine having traction devices. The payload control system may have a force sensor configured to measure a force transmitted through the traction devices. The payload control system may also have a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the machine. The payload control system may further have a controller in communication with the force sensor and the speed sensor. The controller may be configured to modify a weight limit of the machine based on the measured force and the measured speed.

Claims

1. A payload control system for a machine having traction devices, comprising:

a force sensor configured to measure a force transmitted through the traction devices;

a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the machine; and

a controller in communication with the force sensor and the speed sensor, the controller being configured to modify a weight limit of the machine based on the measured force and the measured speed.

2. The payload control system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to use the measured force and the measured speed to calculate a quantity related to a traction device temperature, and the controller is configured to decrease the weight limit if the quantity is above a quantity limit.

3. The payload control system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to send a notification via an operator display when the quantity has exceeded the quantity limit.

4. The payload control system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to increase the weight limit if the quantity is below the quantity limit.

5. The payload control system of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to modify the weight limit proportional to the degree that the quantity deviates from the quantity limit.

6. The payload control system of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to use information from the force sensor and the speed sensor to determine when the machine is traveling, and the controller is configured to modify the weight limit only when the machine is traveling.

7. The payload control system of claim 2, wherein the controller is configured to send a notification via an operator display when a current weight is approaching the weight limit.

8. The payload control system of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to use information from the force sensor and the speed sensor to determine when the machine is being loaded, and the controller is configured to send the notification only when the machine is being loaded.

9. The payload control system of claim 2, wherein the quantity is a TMPH value.

10. A method of controlling a machine, comprising:

measuring a speed of the machine during a first operation;

measuring a weight of the machine during the first operation; and

adjusting a weight limit of the machine based on the measured speed and the measured weight of the machine during the first operation.

11. The method of claim 10, further including calculating a quantity related to a traction device temperature using the measured speed and the measured weight.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein calculating includes averaging the quantity over an interval of time.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein adjusting includes decreasing the weight limit proportional to the degree that the quantity deviates from a quantity limit.

14. The method of claim 10, further including notifying an operator when a current weight has exceeded the weight limit.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein adjusting occurs only when at least one of the measured speed or the measured weight indicates that the machine is traveling.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein notifying occurs only when at least one of the measured speed and the measured weight indicates that the machine is being loaded.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the adjusted weight limit is only applied to the machine when the machine is being loaded during a second operation.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the quantity is a TMPH value.

19. A machine, comprising:

a haulage portion configured to carry a load;

a frame connected to the haulage portion;

at least one traction device connected to the frame; and

a controller configured to calculate a quantity related to a temperature of the at least one traction device and to modify a weight limit of the machine based on the quantity.

20. The machine of claim 19, wherein the controller is configured to modify the weight limit proportional to the degree that the quantity deviates from a quantity limit and send a notification via an operator display when a current weight is approaching the weight limit.