Crawler Vehicle One-Lever Hydraulic Clutch Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crawler vehicles have a large number of manual controls that require significant physical effort and lead to operator fatigue due to the need for simultaneous operation during maneuvering.
Innovation Solution
A simplified lever control system with a cam-equipped hinge and hydraulic actuation allows for automatic engagement and disengagement of steering clutches, track brakes, and central clutch, enabling one-lever operation and reduced physical effort through a feedback mechanism that restores initial positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple manual controls are used for steering clutches, brakes, and central clutch, then precise control of each component is achieved, but operator physical effort and fatigue increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (steering clutch control, brake control, and central clutch control) into a single integrated control lever. This lever can be positioned in multiple discrete positions, each corresponding to a specific combination of control states for the steering clutches, brakes, and central clutch, thereby reducing the number of separate controls and minimizing operator physical effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control lever serves multiple functions by being capable of controlling different components depending on its position. The lever can control the central clutch, steering clutches, and brakes through a unified interface, making the control system more versatile and easier to operate while maintaining precise control capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If multiple manual controls are operated simultaneously, then vehicle maneuvering control is achieved, but operator fatigue increases due to simultaneous operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation of multiple controls into a single lever that can achieve coordinated control of steering clutches, brakes, and central clutch through its different positions. This eliminates the need for simultaneous operation of multiple separate controls, reducing operator fatigue while maintaining maneuvering efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control lever is designed with predetermined positions that correspond to pre-configured control states. Each position of the lever pre-establishes the appropriate combination of clutch and brake states needed for specific maneuvering tasks, allowing the operator to simply move the lever to the desired position without having to coordinate multiple controls simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If a one-lever system is used to control multiple components, then operator effort is reduced, but automatic positioning and control precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism that automatically restores the control lever to its initial neutral position after the operator has moved it to activate a specific function. This feedback arrangement ensures that the lever returns to a known, precise position, maintaining control accuracy while reducing the operator effort required to manually return the lever to neutral.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system includes automatic positioning features that help the lever settle into precise, predetermined positions during operation. The system provides self-correcting mechanisms that ensure the lever achieves accurate positioning without requiring the operator to exert additional effort or precision, thereby maintaining control precision while minimizing operator effort.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system reduces operator fatigue by allowing controlled-position management of steering clutches, brakes, and central clutch with automatic transitions, enabling smoother and more intricate vehicle maneuvering.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic system is activated by said lever as of an initial position. The hydraulic system supplies pressurized oil over a feed line to a hydraulic actuator.
Implementation Method 2
A one lever system can provide for controlled-position controlling of both steering clutches, brakes, and central clutch.
Data Source
AI summary
A drive control system of a crawler vehicle has a lever, a hydraulic distributor for feeding pressurized oil over a feed line to a hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator can engage and release a central clutch. A cable has a first end fixed to a rod of the hydraulic actuator, and a second end connected to the hydraulic distributor. The cable activates and deactivates the hydraulic distributor, depending on the position of the rod. A main pulley is integral with the lever about which the cable is wound.