Motor Grader Draw Bar Neutral Control for Precise Blade Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

The operator's burden is increased when the draw bar is not positioned at a neutral point, making it difficult for less skilled operators to accurately move the blade to a desired position due to unequal movements of the blade ends during operation.

Innovation Solution

A motor grader equipped with a controller that adjusts the position of the draw bar relative to the front frame using actuators to align it with a neutral position, facilitating easier blade positioning through automatic transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the draw bar is not located at a neutral position, then the blade can be positioned at various working positions, but the amount of upward/downward movement of the left and right ends of the blade becomes different, increasing operator burden

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblade positioning capabilityVSAvoidoperator burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit receives operation signals from the operation apparatus and automatically controls the actuators to adjust the draw bar position, creating a feedback control system that eliminates the need for operator skill to compensate for unequal blade end movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment by automatically returning the draw bar to the neutral position based on operation signals, making the system serve itself rather than requiring operator intervention to compensate for mechanical asymmetries

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Length of moving object

If the draw bar is located at a position more distant from the neutral position, then the blade can achieve greater lateral displacement, but it becomes more difficult for less skilled operators to move the blade to a desired position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral displacement of bladeVSAvoiddifficulty for less skilled operators

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically returns the draw bar to the neutral position in advance before blade positioning operations, preparing the system in an optimal state that eliminates operational difficulties for less skilled operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system that uses sensors and actuators to manage draw bar positioning, substituting operator skill with electronic control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12509849B2Motor grader and method of controlling motor grader

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 KOMATSU LTD

AI summary

A motor grader includes an operation apparatus, a front frame, a draw bar swingably attached to the front frame, a first actuator attached to the draw bar, the first actuator moving the draw bar in a lateral direction with respect to the front frame, a second actuator attached to the draw bar, the second actuator moving the draw bar in a direction toward the front frame and a direction away from the front frame, and a controller that causes the first actuator and the second actuator to operate. The controller causes the first actuator and the second actuator to operate based on an operation signal received from the operation apparatus such that a position of the draw bar with respect to the front frame comes closer to a neutral position of the draw bar with respect to the front frame.