System and method for payload estimation

• US 8,812,196 B2
• Filed: 09/14/2012
• Issued: 08/19/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/14/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Caterpillar Incorporated
• Inventors: Hu, Zheng, Bell, Jason D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Black, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): PAYNE, ROBERT T
• Application Number:
  US13/617,812
• Publication Number:
  US 20140081530A1
• Time in Patent Office: 704 Days
• Field of Search: 701/50, 701/31.4, 701/532, 701/1, 701/80, 180/326, 180/315, 180/215, 107/23, 107/33, 414/694, 340/438, 340/439, 221/276
• US Class Current: 701/50
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 1/283 Elements of tipping devices

Abstract

A payload estimation system for a work machine is provided. The system includes a power source, a payload carrier, an actuator and a controller. The payload carrier is configured to contain a payload of material. The actuator is configured to effectuate movement of the payload carrier. The controller is configured to control an operation of the actuator. The controller is also configured to receive one or more parameters associated with the power source of the work machine, during an operation of the payload carrier. Further, the controller is configured to compare the one or more parameters with a pre-determined dataset to estimate a weight of the payload on the work machine.

Claims

1. A payload estimation system for a work machine, the system comprising:

a power source;

a payload carrier configured to contain a payload of material;

an actuator configured to effectuate movement of the payload carrier; and

a controller configured to;

control an operation of the actuator;

receive one or more parameters associated with the power source of the work machine, during an operation of the payload carrier; and

compare the one or more parameters with a pre-determined dataset to estimate a weight of the payload on the work machine.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source of the work machine is an internal combustion engine.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the work machine is a dump truck.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to control the operation of the actuator for a pre-determined displacement.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein controller is further configured to receive one or more inputs from an operator of the work machine.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the operation of the actuator is based on the received one or more inputs from the operator.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more parameters associated with the power source includes a speed and a torque of the power source, and a fuel consumption of the work machine.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the pre-determined dataset includes a calibrated map between the one or more parameters associated with the power source and the weight of the payload on the work machine.

9. The system of claim 1 further including a payload counter configured to record a dump cycle based on a displacement of the payload carrier.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to compare the one or more parameters associated with the power source and pre-determined dataset during the dump cycle to estimate the weight of the payload dumped during the dump cycle.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to notify an operator of the weight of the payload on the work machine.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the machine includes any one of an off-highway truck, a quarry truck, and an articulated truck.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the power source is configured to supply power to the actuator.

14. A method of estimating a payload on a work machine comprising:

actuating a movement of a payload carrier for a pre-determined displacement;

receiving one or more parameters associated with a power source of the work machine, during the pre-determined displacement; and

comparing the one or more parameters with a pre-determined dataset to estimate a weight of the payload on the work machine.

15. The method of claim 14 further including receiving one or more inputs from an operator of the work machine.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the movement of the payload carrier is based on the received one or more inputs from the operator.

17. The method of claim 14 further including notifying an operator of the weight of the payload on the work machine.

18. The method of claim 14 further including receiving a grade signal associated with the work machine.

19. The method of claim 14 further including receiving a signal associated with a throttle command.

20. A computer based system comprising:

a communication interface communicating with a memory;

the memory configured to communicate with a processor; and

the processor, in response to executing a computer program, performs operations comprising;

actuating a movement of a payload carrier for a pre-determined displacement;

receiving one or more parameters associated with a power source of the work machine, during the pre-determined displacement; and

comparing the one or more parameters with a pre-determined dataset to estimate a weight of a payload on the work machine.