Caterpillar Inc.

Jason Bell

Justin Lee Steinlage

Stefan Jacob Wulf

Nathan Stephen Pauli

Keith F Harvey

Stephen Thompson

Brian Allen Byers

Gerard O McCann

James V Dornberger

Daryl R Brower

Zheng Hu

Jonathan D Chappell

Paul Graham

Richard Adams

A method for detecting an unbalanced payload condition in a machine is disclosed. The method includes detecting, by a first sensor, a pressure exerted on each of one or more struts in the machine by a payload. The method further includes detecting, by a second sensor, one or more operational parameters associated with machine. Furthermore, method includes determining, by a controller, a center of gravity of the payload based on detected pressure, the one or more operational parameters, and one or more dimensions of the machine. Additionally, the method includes determining, by the controller, a force being exerted, by the payload, on each traction member of the machine based on the center of gravity of the payload. The method further includes detecting, by the controller, the unbalanced payload condition when the force, being exerted on at least one traction member of the plurality of traction members, exceeds a threshold value.

Methods and systems for detecting unbalanced payload condition in machines

A system for controlling propulsion of a machine is described. The system includes a first sensor for generating a first signal indicative of an articulation angle of the machine. The system also includes at least one transmission power unit coupled to front and rear powertrains of the machine. The system further includes a control module in communication with the first sensor and the at least one transmission power unit. The control module is configured to receive the first signal from the first sensor. The control module is also configured to control the at least one transmission power unit to provide power to at least one of the front powertrain or the rear powertrain, based on the articulation angle of the machine.

System and method for controlling propulsion of machine

A speed measurement system for use with a machine having a component rotationally mounted inside a housing may have a first sensing element configured to be mounted to the housing adjacent the component, and a second sensing element configured to be mounted to the housing. The first sensing element may be configured to generate a first signal indicative of a rotational velocity of the component. The second sensing element may be configured to generate a second signal indicative of a rotational rate of the housing. The speed measurement system may also have a controller in communication with the first and second sensing elements. The controller may be configured to determine a rotational speed of the component relative to an offboard reference based on the first and second signals.

System having pitch-adjusted rotational speed measurement

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.

System and method for payload estimation

A method and system for managing cruise control in a machine provide for maintaining a speed of the machine at a target speed in the absence of an acceleration or deceleration command from an operator of the machine. When a deceleration command is received from the operator of the machine the machine is slowed below the target speed while the deceleration command is received and is returned to the target speed when the deceleration command is no longer received.

Cruise control using propulsion and retarding capabilities of machine

A method for automatically controlling the downhill speed of a machine. The method includes establishing a target machine speed based on a current machine speed and determining whether at least one trigger condition including a grade greater than a predetermined threshold has been satisfied. If satisfied, the method activates a control system to control at least one of a powertrain retarder and a change in a transmission gear to prevent exceeding the target machine speed.

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Dahinda, IL, United States of America

Jason Bell