A work vehicle configured to perform an activity in a work area.

Abstract

A work vehicle is configured to perform an activity in a work area. The work vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of ground-engaging members coupled to the chassis for chassis movement in the work area, a generator configured to generate power from the work vehicle's activity in the work area, an energy storage device connected to the generator to store energy generated by the generator and configured to be charged to an initial load, and a controller configured to establish an initial load setting corresponding to the initial load of the energy storage device based on at least one anticipated work vehicle activity input.

Description

/ 19 A work vehicle configured to perform an activity in a work area. Fundamentals

[001] Vehicles, such as construction, agricultural, utility, and other work vehicles, operate in work areas to perform tasks such as moving earth, digging, dragging, harvesting, transporting, and / or other activities or tasks with occasional or frequent vehicle movement throughout the work area, including movement to higher or lower elevations in the work area. Such tasks and activities may involve the use of fuel and / or stored energy for movement of the work vehicle, movement or operation of a work vehicle attachment, and / or the performance of other activities by the work vehicle in the work area.

[002] A work vehicle may include one or more energy regeneration or recovery systems or functions in order to increase the efficiency of the work vehicle, reduce the energy or fuel consumption of the work vehicle, and / or reduce vehicle emissions. Such energy regeneration or recovery systems may include, but are not limited to, an energy storage device, such as at least one battery, accumulator, and / or tank in an electric, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic energy regeneration system. The energy storage device is charged to a maximum capacity to provide primary or supplementary energy to the work vehicle for carrying out activities. Summary

[003] Several aspects of examples of the present description are set forth in the claims.

[004] In one embodiment of the present description, a work vehicle is configured to perform an activity in a work area. The work vehicle includes a chassis, a plurality of coupling members Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 11 / 67 / 19 on the ground coupled to the chassis for chassis movement in the work area, a generator configured to generate power from the work vehicle's activity in the work area, an energy storage device connected to the generator to store energy generated by the generator and configured to be charged to an initial charge, and a controller configured to establish an initial charge setting corresponding to the initial charge of the energy storage device based on at least one anticipated work vehicle activity input.

[005] The generator may be coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground hitch members and configured to regeneratively brake the work vehicle through at least one of the plurality of ground hitch members, at least one advance activity input of the work vehicle may comprise an amount of advance regenerative braking of the work vehicle. The work vehicle may further comprise a work member configured to perform at least one activity in the work area, wherein the generator may be connected to the work member and may be configured to generate power from the movement of the work member relative to the chassis, at least one advance activity input of the work vehicle may comprise an amount of advance power generation of the generator from the movement of the work member.The work vehicle may comprise an operator interface in communication with the controller and configured to receive operator input; at least one advance activity input may comprise operator input. Operator input may originate from at least one source on board the work vehicle and from external sources to the work vehicle. The work vehicle may comprise a vehicle position sensor in communication with the controller and configured to determine a vehicle position; at least one advance activity input may comprise. Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 12 / 67 / 19 the vehicle's position. The work vehicle may additionally comprise a data storage device connected to the vehicle position sensor and configured to store vehicle position data, with at least one advance activity input comprising vehicle position data. The vehicle position sensor may comprise a vehicle elevation sensor communicating with the controller and configured to determine vehicle elevation, with at least one advance activity input comprising vehicle elevation. The controller may be configured to set the initial load setting as less than a maximum load based on at least one advance activity input of the work vehicle comprising advance power generation by the generator from the performance of the work vehicle activity in the work area.The controller can be configured to set the initial load configuration as inversely proportional to anticipated power generation by the generator from the performance of the work vehicle activity in the work area.

[006] In one embodiment of the present description, a method for controlling energy for a work vehicle energy storage device includes receiving at least one work vehicle advance activity input corresponding to a work vehicle advance activity in a work area, establishing an initial load setting corresponding to an initial load of the energy storage device based on at least one advance activity input, charging the energy storage device to the initial load, generating energy in the work area by performing the work area advance activity with the work vehicle, and storing the generated energy in the energy storage device.

[007] The method may additionally include charging the energy storage device to the initial charge setting before generating Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 13 / 67 / 19 energy in the work area when performing the anticipated activity in the work area with the work vehicle. Generating energy in the work area may comprise regeneratively braking the work vehicle via at least one of the plurality of ground engagement members, at least one anticipated activity input of the work vehicle may comprise an amount of anticipated regenerative braking of the work vehicle. Generating energy in the work area may comprise generating energy from the movement of a work member relative to a work vehicle chassis, at least one anticipated activity input of the work vehicle may comprise an amount of anticipated energy generation from the movement of the work member.The method may additionally comprise receiving operator input from an operator interface; at least one advance activity input may comprise operator input. The method may additionally comprise determining a vehicle position; at least one advance activity input may comprise vehicle position. The method may additionally comprise storing historical vehicle position data; at least one advance activity input may comprise vehicle position data. The method may additionally comprise storing a vehicle activity plan for the work vehicle in the work area; at least one advance activity input may comprise vehicle activity plan.Establishing the initial load configuration can be understood as being inversely proportional to the anticipated energy generation from performing the anticipated activity in the work area with the work vehicle.

[008] In one embodiment of the present description, a vehicle power control system for a vehicle in a work area includes a generated power source received from onboard the vehicle and configured to provide power to the vehicle from the performance of a vehicle activity. Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 14 / 67 / 19 in the work area, an energy storage source connected to the generated energy source to store energy up to a maximum load of the energy storage source, and a controller configured to establish an initial load setting corresponding to an initial load of the energy storage source before the vehicle activity in the work area is less than the maximum load, the initial load setting being based on at least one anticipated activity input from the work vehicle.

[009] The above features and others will become apparent from the following description and the attached drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010] The detailed description of the drawings refers to the attached figures in which: Figure 1 illustrates a work vehicle according to an embodiment of the present description; Figure 2 illustrates a vehicle power control system according to an embodiment of the present description; and Figure 3 illustrates a method for controlling energy for a work vehicle energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present description.

[0011] Similar reference numbers are used to indicate the same elements throughout the various figures. Detailed Description

[0012] At least one aspect of the subject matter of this description is understood by reference to FIGURES 1 to 3 of the drawings.

[0013] With reference now to Figure 1, a work vehicle 10 is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is a backhoe loader, but the vehicle 10 of one or more embodiments of the present description is a work vehicle, such as Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, p. 15 / 67 / 19 wheel loader, an earthmoving tractor, a motor grader or other construction vehicle, to name non-limiting examples, an agricultural work vehicle, utility vehicle, or other all-terrain vehicle or work vehicle configured for or capable of performing one or more activities in a work area 12. Additionally, vehicle 10 of the various embodiments of this description includes and may be referred to in this document as work vehicle 10 or vehicle 10.The work vehicle 10 in the illustrated embodiment is an electric vehicle to include an electric powertrain with at least one electric machine used for vehicle propulsion, but the work vehicle 10 of other embodiments may be a hybrid powertrain and include a power station, such as a diesel internal combustion engine or other type of engine having a fuel source and / or an electric, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic motor and / or actuator having an electric source or high-pressure fluid source.

[0014] The work vehicle 10 in the illustrated embodiment further includes a chassis 14 and one or more ground engagement members 16 coupled to the chassis 14 for movement of the chassis 14 in the work area 12. The ground engagement members 16 of the work vehicle 10 shown in Figure 1 include wheels. In one or more additional embodiments, the ground engagement members 16 include one or more tracks and / or other rotating or moving members.

[0015] The work vehicle 10 of one or more embodiments includes an operator station 18 connected to the chassis 14 and configured to enable an operator to control the work vehicle 10 and interface with the work vehicle 10 and other vehicles and personnel in the work area 12. In additional embodiments not shown, the operator station 18 is located remotely from or away from the work vehicle 10, in the work area 12 or outside the work area 12, and / or the operator is able to remotely operate the work vehicle 10 and / or the work vehicle 10 Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 16 / 67 / 19 operates in a partially or fully autonomous manner.

[0016] Vehicle 10 in Figure 1 is configured to perform one or more activities in work area 12. Reference to performing the activity in work area 12 or one or more activity inputs includes any one or multiple activities and / or inputs in work area 12. The activity may include operating vehicle 10 along work area 12, including moving to higher or lower locations in work area 12. Additional activity modes may include any one or more of the following: moving earth, transporting, pulling, pushing, including pushing or pulling one or more attachments, implements, and / or other vehicles, harvesting, digging, lifting, loading, and / or other activities and / or tasks performed by construction, agricultural, utility vehicles or machines, and / or by other vehicles or machines in work area 12.The activity inputs described in the various modalities include any information, configuration or other input provided to the controller 24 or another part of the vehicle 10 that relates to the activity or anticipated activity of the work vehicle 10 in the work area 12.

[0017] Vehicle 10 includes at least one generator 20 configured to generate power from the performance of the work vehicle 10 activity in the work area 12. Generator 20 includes the motor-generator in one embodiment, but may include any rotary, linear or other generating device capable of generating power directly or indirectly from motion or displacement, including electrical, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic power generation.

[0018] In one embodiment, the generator is coupled to at least one of the ground hitch members 16 and is configured to regeneratively brake the work vehicle 10 via at least one of the ground hitch members 16. One or more early activity input(s) of the work vehicle 10 include(s) an amount of early regenerative braking of the Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 17 / 67 / 19 work vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the generator 20 is a motor generator configured to drive one or more of the ground engagement members 16 and generate energy from the rotation, movement, and / or displacement of the member(s) that engage with the ground 16.

[0019] In one embodiment, the work vehicle 10 includes a work member 30 configured to perform at least one activity in the work area 12. In non-limiting examples, the work member 30 includes a boom 46 or other connecting arm or member, a bucket 48 or other blade or hitch element, a bed or other transport or towing element (not shown), a drum or other ground-engaging element (not shown), and / or any member of a pushed or pulled attachment or implement. Additionally, in some embodiments, the work member 30 is or includes one or more hydraulic, pneumatic or other type cylinders or actuators coupled to or otherwise connected to such work member(s) listed in this document.

[0020] At least one generator 20, such as the working member generator 32, is connected to the working member 30 and is configured to generate power from the movement of the working member 30 relative to the chassis 14. The generator 20 and the working member generator 32, when capable, can be used interchangeably in the various embodiments in this document. The work vehicle 10 advance activity input includes an amount of advance power generation from the generator 32 from the movement of the working member 30. In the embodiment illustrated, the generator 32 is a motor-generator that moves the working member 30 relative to the chassis 14 or another part of the work vehicle 10, and the generator 32 generates power from the movement of the working member 30 relative to the chassis 14 or another part of the work vehicle 10.

[0021] Vehicle 10 additionally includes an energy storage device 22 connected to the generator 20 to store energy. Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 18 / 67 / 19 generated by generator 20. The energy storage device 22 may include one or more devices capable of storing electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic energy. The energy storage device 22 in the illustrated embodiment is an electric battery, but may include one or more distinct or additional storage devices, such as, in non-limiting examples, a hydraulic accumulator, a mechanical flywheel or spring, a pneumatic air tank, and / or another device capable of storing energy. The energy storage device 22 is configured to be charged to an initial charge. The energy storage device 22 of one or more embodiments is charged during a charging event that occurs when the vehicle 10 is inactive, stationary, or otherwise not performing activities in the work area 12.The initial load in one embodiment is the amount of energy to be stored in the energy storage device 22 before the work vehicle 10 performs the activity in the work area 12. In additional embodiments, the initial load is the amount of energy to be stored in the energy storage device 22 before the start of a work cycle of the vehicle 10, before the movement of the vehicle 10 from a charging location in the work area 12, and / or immediately after the completion of such charging.

[0022] Vehicle 10 includes a controller 24 configured to establish an initial load configuration corresponding to the initial load of the energy storage device 22. The initial load configuration is based on one or more anticipated activity input(s) from the work vehicle 10. In at least one embodiment, the initial load configuration determines and / or is equal to the initial load of the energy storage device 22.

[0023] Controller 24 of a mode establishes the initial load configuration as less than a maximum load based on one or more anticipated activity inputs from the work vehicle 10. The maximum load Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 19 / 67 / 19 in various modalities includes reaching the maximum capacity of the energy storage device 22, reaching the point during charging at which charging is interrupted due to the capacity of the energy storage device 22, and / or substantially reaching the maximum load of the energy storage device 22. The substantially maximum load in a non-limiting example is 95% of the total capacity of the energy storage device 22 but may include any other percentages. The anticipated activity input(s) in a modality refers(s) to, corresponds(s) to, or includes(s) the anticipated energy generation by the generator 20 and / or the work member's generator 32 from the performance of the work vehicle 10 activity in the work area 12.In one embodiment, controller 24 establishes the initial load configuration as inversely proportional to anticipated power generation by generator 20 and / or the work member generator 32 from the performance of the work vehicle 10 activity in the work area 12. In other words, the initial load configuration is set at a lower level with a higher level of anticipated power generation, and the initial load configuration is set at a higher level with a lower level of anticipated power generation.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the advance power generation and / or the advance activity input(s) are associated with or limited to the initial activity or activities of the work vehicle 10 immediately after the charging of the energy storage device 22 or the commencement of activity in the work area 10. In a non-limiting example, the advance power generation and / or the advance activity input(s) may include an initial locomotion route to a lower elevation, thus anticipating power generation by the generator 20 until the work vehicle 10 reaches the lower elevation location where it can no longer generate power for storage in the energy storage device 22. Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 20 / 67 / 19 In one such example, the anticipated energy generation and / or anticipated activity input(s) is limited to this initial or immediately subsequent activity due to the fact that the work vehicle 10 will then perform activities that require the use and depletion of energy from the energy storage device 22, and not the energy generation of an activity.

[0025] The vehicle 10 additionally includes an operator interface 34 in communication with the controller 24 and configured to receive operator input. The anticipated activity input(s) include operator input. In one embodiment, operator input originates on board the work vehicle 10, such as through operator interaction with the operator interface 34, and externally to the work vehicle, such as by remote control of the work vehicle 10.

[0026] The vehicle 10 advance activity input(s) are transmitted or provided to or determined by the controller 24 manually and / or via wireless and / or wired signal. In an illustrative example of a manual transmission of the advance activity input to the controller 24, the vehicle 10 operator can perceive or otherwise know or estimate the expected or anticipated activity of the vehicle 10 during or before the charging of the energy storage device 22. The operator can manually adjust or configure an initial load configuration in the operator interface 34 to enable the controller 24 to establish an initial load configuration corresponding to the initial charging of the energy storage device 22 based on the advance activity input provided by the operator.

[0027] In additional embodiments, the controller 24 receives the anticipated activity input(s) via wired or wireless signal transmission and / or determines the input through a signal from one or more sensors or other modules on board or external to the work vehicle 10. As shown in Figure 1, in one or more embodiments of this description, the vehicle of Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 21 / 67 / 19 work 10 includes a vehicle position sensor 40, such as a global positioning system (GPS) transceiver, accelerometer, inertial measurement unit or rotary wheel / axle encoder, in communication with the controller 24. The vehicle position sensor 40 determines a relative or absolute vehicle position or the position of the work vehicle 10 in the work area 12. At least one of the anticipated activity inputs includes the vehicle position in a mode, as determined by the vehicle position sensor 40.

[0028] In at least one additional embodiment, the vehicle position sensor 40 includes a vehicle elevation sensor 42 communicating with the controller 24. The vehicle elevation sensor 42 determines a vehicle elevation. At least one of the early activity inputs includes vehicle elevation in an embodiment, as determined by the vehicle elevation sensor 42. The vehicle position sensor 40 and / or the vehicle elevation sensor 42 may provide the early activity input to the controller 24 as indicating that the vehicle 10 is located at a higher location relative to the stored or known task or activity, and the controller 24 then establishes the initial load based on this early activity input which includes the expected power generation of the vehicle 10 moving to a lower elevation after loading.

[0029] In one embodiment, the work vehicle 10 includes a data storage device 44 connected to the vehicle position sensor 40 and / or to another device or part of the work vehicle 10. The data storage device 44 stores vehicle position data and / or other data for access by the controller 24. The early activity input(s) include vehicle position data in one embodiment. In one or more embodiments, the data storage device 44 is connected to one or more vehicle sensors or activity inputs, including, without limitation, any one or more of a boom, a Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 22 / 67 / 19 cylinder, actuator, or other member inputs or sensors described in this document. The data storage device 44 of such embodiments may store vehicle and / or member work activity data from such devices or locations, including historical vehicle position data and / or historical work member data. The data storage device 44 may additionally receive, create in cooperation with a processor or controller, and / or store data relating to one or more travel routes, trajectory plans, instructions or commands for manually, remotely or autonomously guided vehicle or work member activity tasks and / or other operational guidance or instructions.The advance activity input of one or more modes includes vehicle activity data, including any one or more of the operational instructions and / or historical position data of the vehicle and / or worker member, map data, and / or route or activity plans and instructions. In a non-limiting example, controller 24 may receive a route plan for a series of activities by vehicle 10 before or upon loading the energy storage indicating an initial activity involving energy generation by a worker member, such as lowering and unloading a full bucket from a front loader. Controller 24 in such a non-limiting example establishes the initial load based on this advance activity input which includes expected energy generation from vehicle 10 performing the activity that recovers energy to be stored in the energy storage device 22.

[0030] Any one or more anticipated activity input(s) include, in additional forms, additional inputs that may affect the operation of vehicle 10 and any of its working members 30 including, individually or in combination, and without limitation, one or more weather conditions or other physical conditions of the work area 12, a time of day or year, the presence and activities of one or more other Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 23 / 67 / 19 vehicles, personnel or obstacles in the work area, and / or the operator's learned driving behavior. Additionally, anticipated activity input(s) include, in additional modalities, individually or in combination, and without limitation, the attachment or coupling of an implement or accessory, a configuration or other condition of a work member such as a blade, bucket, boom, or actuator, and / or the operation, condition, or completion of an activity by another vehicle or machine in the work area 12. In a non-limiting example, the driver 24 may establish the initial load based on the anticipated activity inputs of the initial descent by the work vehicle 10, as described above, and the work vehicle 10 being coupled to a trailer having a regenerative braking system feeding energy to the energy storage device 22.

[0031] Controller 24 of such modes may use such historical data, maps, and other anticipated activity inputs to synthesize anticipated predictive activity inputs to establish the initial load. In another non-limiting example, controller 24 may reference stored data tables or models with historical vehicle position data, a plan for work area 12, and the loading location to determine that the remaining activity for the work area plan includes a regenerative task that starts from the completion of loading. Thus, in such an example, controller 24 creates or otherwise references a predictive anticipated activity input of the remaining task to appropriately establish the initial load.

[0032] With reference now to Figure 2, with continued reference to Figure 1, a vehicle power control system 200 is provided according to one or more embodiments for vehicle 10 in work area 12. Any one or more of the embodiments described for the control system 200 in this document may be applied to any one or more of the Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 24 / 67 / 19 modalities of the work vehicle 10 in this document, and vice versa. The control system 200 of an embodiment includes a generated energy source 210, such as the generator 20 or the work member generator 32, on board the vehicle 10 to generate energy from the performance of the vehicle 10 activity in the work area 12. The control system 200 further includes an energy storage source 212, such as the energy storage device 22, connected to the generated energy source 210 to store energy up to the maximum load of the energy storage source 212. The control system 200 further includes the controller 24 to establish the initial load setting 214, corresponding to an initial load 222 of the energy storage source 212 before the performance of the vehicle 10 activity in the work area 12, which is less than the maximum load.In at least one embodiment, the initial load configuration is based on any one or more anticipated activity input(s) 216 of the work vehicle 10. The controller 24 of an embodiment controls a charging device 218 that is located on board or external to the vehicle 10 and receives power from a charging power source 220 to provide the initial load 222 to the energy storage source 212. The charging power source 220 that powers the charging device 218 may include external electrical power or other form of power, such as mains-supplied alternating current in a non-limiting example, onboard electrical power or other form of power, such as an electric generator or battery bank in non-limiting examples, and / or any combination thereof.

[0033] With reference now to Figure 3, a method 100 for controlling power to the energy storage device 22 of the work vehicle 10.Method 100 includes receiving, in step 110, one or more advance activity input(s) from work vehicle 10 corresponding to the advance activity of work vehicle 10 in work area 12. Method 100 additionally includes establishing, in step 112, the initial load configuration. Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 25 / 67 / 19 corresponding to the initial load of energy storage device 22 based on the anticipated activity input(s). Method 100 additionally includes charging, in step 114, the energy storage device 22 to the initial load. Method 100 additionally includes generating energy, in step 116, in work area 12 when performing the anticipated activity in work area 12 with the work vehicle 10. Method 100 additionally includes storing, in step 118, the generated energy in the energy storage device 22.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, method 100 additionally includes charging the energy storage device 22 up to, and in at least one embodiment to, a value equal to or less than, the initial charge setting before generating energy in the work area 12 when performing the anticipated activity in the work area 12 with the work vehicle 10 or before starting or performing the activity by the work vehicle 10 in the work area 10. The method 100 of an embodiment may include generating energy in the work area 12 by regeneratively braking the work vehicle 10 through one or more ground engagement members 16. The anticipated activity input of the work vehicle 10 of an embodiment includes an amount of anticipated regenerative braking of the work vehicle 10.Method 100 of the additional embodiments may further include generating energy in the work area 12 by generating energy from the movement of the work member 30 relative to the chassis 14 of the work vehicle 10. The advance activity input of the work vehicle 10 includes an amount of advance energy generation from the movement of the work member 30. Method 100 of the embodiments may include any combination of such advance activities and advance activity inputs.

[0035] Method 100 of the additional modes may additionally include receiving operator input from the operator interface. Early activity input includes, in one mode, input from Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 26 / 67 / 19 operator. Method 100 of an embodiment includes determining the vehicle position where the anticipated activity input includes the vehicle position. An embodiment of method 100 additionally includes storing historical vehicle position data where the anticipated activity input includes the vehicle position data. An embodiment of method 100 additionally includes storing a vehicle activity plan for work vehicle 10 in work area 12 where the anticipated activity input includes the vehicle activity plan. Establishing the initial load configuration in an embodiment of method 100 includes establishing the initial load configuration as being inversely proportional to the anticipated power generation from performing the anticipated activity in work area 12 with work vehicle 10.

[0036] Any feature, step, function or structure described in relation to the forms of the work vehicle 10 and / or the control system 200 is / are applied to the method 100 and vice versa, in the additional embodiments of this description.

[0037] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims below, it will be appreciated that the work vehicle 10, the method 100, and the control system 200 reduce energy consumption by preventing overloading of the energy storage device 22 when it is anticipated that the work vehicle 10 will perform one or more activities that will enable the generation of energy for storage with the energy storage device 22. Additionally, the vehicle 10, the method 100, and the control system 200 enable the vehicle 10 to utilize an energy storage device with a smaller capacity due to the fact that the controller 24 is able to selectively control the amount of load required based on the anticipated activity. Such selective control as provided by the vehicle 10, control system 200, and method 100 in this document further increases the service life of the storage device. Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 27 / 67 / 19 of energy 22, such as avoiding overloading the energy storage device 22, reducing charging or unnecessary charging cycles of the energy storage device 22, and maintaining the state of charge of the energy storage device 22 within an ideal range. Finally, the vehicle 10, control system 200 and method 100 increase the service life of wear parts, such as service brakes and other hydraulic and / or mechanical components, by using vehicle or work member regeneration or movement instead of using wear parts, such as slowing down the vehicle 10 or damping or slowing down the movement of the vehicle 10 and / or one or more work members 30.

[0038] When used herein, “for example” is used to list examples in a non-exhaustive manner, and has the same meaning as alternative illustrative phrases such as “including,” “including but not limited to,” and “including without limitation.” When used herein, unless otherwise limited or modified, lists of items that are separated by conjunctive terms (e.g., “and”) and that are also preceded by the phrase “one or more of,” “at least one of,” “at least,” or a similar phrase, indicate configurations or arrangements that potentially include individual items of the list, or any combination thereof. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” and “one or more of A, B, and C” each indicate the possibility of only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C).When used here, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, “comprises,” “includes,” and similar phrases are intended to specify the presence of the resources, steps, operations, elements, and / or components mentioned, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other resources, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 28 / 67 / 19

[0039] While the present description has been illustrated and described in detail in the preceding drawings and description, such illustration and description are not exhaustive, it being understood that the illustrative embodiment(s) has / have been shown and described and it is intended that all alterations and modifications that are within the spirit of the present description are protected. Alternative embodiments of the present description may not include all the features described, but will still benefit from at least some of the advantages of such features. Those skilled in the art may devise their own implementations that incorporate one or more of the features of the present description and that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 29 / 67

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. A work vehicle (10) configured to perform an activity in a work area (12), the work vehicle (10) characterized in that it comprises: a chassis (14); a plurality of ground hitch members (16) coupled to the chassis (14) for movement of the chassis (14) in the work area (12); a generator (20) configured to generate energy from the performance of the work vehicle's (10) activity in the work area (12); an energy storage device (22) connected to the generator (20) to store energy generated by the generator (20) and configured to be charged to an initial load; and a controller (24) configured to establish an initial load configuration corresponding to the initial load of the energy storage device (22) based on at least one anticipated activity input of the work vehicle (10);wherein the controller (24) is configured to establish the initial load configuration as less than a maximum load based on at least one anticipated activity input of the work vehicle (10) comprising anticipated power generation by the generator (20) from the performance of the work vehicle activity (10) in the work area (12).

2. Work vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the generator (20) is coupled to at least one of the plurality of ground hitch members (16) and configured to regeneratively brake the work vehicle (10) by means of at least one of the plurality of ground hitch members (16), to at least one early activity input of the work vehicle (10) comprising an amount of early regenerative braking of the work vehicle (10).

3. Work vehicle (10) according to claim 1, Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 30 / 67 2 / 3 characterized in that it further comprises a work member (30) configured to perform at least one activity in the work area (12), wherein the generator (20) is connected to the work member (30) and is configured to generate power from the movement of the work member (30) relative to the chassis (14), to at least one anticipated activity input of the work vehicle (10) comprising an amount of anticipated power generation from the generator (20) from the movement of the work member (30).

4. Work vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises an operator interface (34) communicating with the controller (24) and configured to receive an operator input, at least one advance activity input comprising the operator input.

5. Work vehicle (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the operator input originates from at least one of those on board the work vehicle (10) and external to the work vehicle (10).

6. Working vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a vehicle position sensor (40) communicating with the controller (24) and configured to determine a vehicle position, at least one advance activity input comprising the vehicle position.

7. Working vehicle (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that it further comprises a data storage device (44) connected to the vehicle position sensor (40) and configured to store vehicle position data, to at least one advance activity input comprising the vehicle position data.

8. Work vehicle (10) according to claim 6, Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, page 31 / 67 3 / 3 characterized in that the vehicle position sensor (40) comprises a vehicle lift sensor (42) in communication with the controller (24) and configured to determine a vehicle lift, at least one advance activity input comprising vehicle lift.

9. Work vehicle (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the anticipated activity entry of the work vehicle (10) comprises at least one of an operation, a state and a completion of an activity by another vehicle or machine in the work area (12). Petition 870260031562, dated 06 / 04 / 2026, p. 32 / 67

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