Cross-Gate Lever Control for Multi-Circuit Hydraulic Implement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural tractors with attached implements like front loaders require multiple hydraulic circuits and additional buttons for controlling complex functions, leading to increased cost, space requirements, and driver confusion due to the need for multiple joysticks and buttons for programmed functions.
Innovation Solution
A single vehicle control means with two modes of operation, allowing manual control of hydraulic circuits and automated functions, using a cross-gate lever with selector buttons to manage fluid flow independently through multiple hydraulic circuits, reducing the need for additional joysticks and buttons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional buttons are fitted to the joystick to control programmed functions, then control capability is improved, but space on the lever is reduced and driver confusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing joystick buttons are made multi-functional through programmability. The control unit allows buttons to be assigned different functions based on operational mode, enabling the same physical button to control different programmed functions without requiring additional buttons for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The button functions are made dynamic and changeable through software programming rather than being fixed. The control unit stores multiple function assignments and switches between them based on the selected operational mode, allowing the interface to adapt to different operational requirements without physical modification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a further joystick is fitted to control programmed functions, then control capability is improved, but cost and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing joystick is made universal by programming it to control both standard hydraulic circuits and additional programmed functions. The control unit processes commands from the same joystick regardless of which function is active, eliminating the need for a separate control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for standard hydraulic circuits and programmed functions are merged into a single joystick interface. The control unit combines the control signals and routing logic to manage all functions through one unified control mechanism, reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hydraulic circuits are controlled independently, then functional versatility is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the joystick and multiple hydraulic circuits. It receives single commands from the joystick and intelligently routes them to the appropriate hydraulic circuit based on the selected operational mode and current system state, simplifying the control interface while maintaining independent circuit control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into independent operational modes, each managing specific hydraulic circuits. The control unit can switch between different mode configurations, allowing complex multi-circuit control to be broken down into manageable, context-specific control segments.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle control means (10) for controlling movement of an implement (2) attached to the vehicle (1) having a first hydraulic circuit for moving the implement (2) or a tool (6) attached to the implement (2), a second hydraulic circuit for moving the tool (6) or the implement (2) and at least one further hydraulic circuit for moving an additional consumer relating to the tool (6) or implement (2). The control means (10) comprises a lever (11) having a first and a second axis of operation (A,B) wherein in a first mode of operation the first and the second axes of operation (A,B) control manual movement of the first, second and the at least one further hydraulic ircuits and wherein in a second mode of operation the first and second axes of operation control programmed functions associated with the first and second hydraulic circuits.