Blade Position Control Retrofit Without Hydraulics Modification
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Retrofitting work vehicles with blade position sensing and control systems often requires modifications to the hydraulics system, leading to inefficiencies in terms of cost and time.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle configuration that allows for the retrofitting of various blade position sensing and control systems (laser-based, GPS-based, sonic-based, etc.) without modifying the hydraulics system, utilizing a network of electronic control units and an electrical interface connector to communicate and control blade positions without adding new valves or electrical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If blade position sensing and control systems are retrofitted onto work vehicles, then blade position control capability is improved, but hydraulics system modification requirements increase complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic auxiliary control unit as an intermediary component that mediates between the blade position sensing system and the existing hydraulics control unit. This intermediary processes sensor signals and communicates with the hydraulics control unit through standardized interfaces, enabling blade position control without direct modifications to the hydraulics system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic auxiliary control unit is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of blade position sensing systems (laser-based, GPS-based, sonic-based). This multi-functional design allows a single control unit to support various sensing technologies and different blade functions (tilt, swing, angle) without requiring system-specific modifications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of blade position sensing systems are supported, then system versatility is improved, but retrofitting time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic auxiliary control unit incorporates universal communication interfaces and standardized signal processing capabilities that are compatible with multiple sensing system types. This allows the same control unit to interface with laser, GPS, or sonic sensing systems without requiring hardware changes, significantly reducing retrofitting time.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is pre-configured with standardized communication protocols and signal processing algorithms that anticipate multiple sensing system types. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid deployment and integration during retrofitting, as the control unit is already prepared to accept various input formats from different sensing technologies.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle comprises a blade and a hydraulics system for controlling operation of blade and non-blade functions of the work vehicle. The work vehicle is configured to be retrofitted with a blade position sensing and control system having cooperating onboard and vehicle-remote instrument packages without modification of the hydraulics system. An associated method is disclosed.