Hydraulic Control Circuit for Articulation Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual control of articulation in work vehicles is challenging, particularly in maintaining a desired degree of articulation, especially when a small degree of articulation is present, leading to difficulties in keeping the vehicle traveling in a straight line.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic control circuit with a pump, actuator, and valve assemblies that allow for both manual and electronic control of the articulation joint, enabling precise control of the relative movement between the front and rear frames through a combination of user-manipulable and electronic control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual control of the actuator is used to control articulation, then the system is simple to operate, but it is difficult to precisely maintain a desired degree of articulation
Solution Approach 1:
An electronic control system acts as an intermediary between the operator's intent and the hydraulic actuator. The electronic controller receives input signals, processes them, and generates precise control commands to the hydraulic valve, enabling precise articulation control without requiring complex manual hydraulic valve manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely manual mechanical control with an electronic control system that uses electronic signals to control the hydraulic actuator. This substitution of mechanical control with electronic control enables higher precision while maintaining operational simplicity through electronic interfaces.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual control is used, then the control system is simple, but it is difficult to keep the vehicle traveling in a straight line when small articulation is present
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the articulation angle and make automatic adjustments to maintain the desired state. This feedback enables the system to detect and correct small deviations from straight-line travel, improving stability without increasing operational difficulty.
3Measurement precision
If electronic control is added to manual control, then precise control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system is designed to work seamlessly with the existing manual control system, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple functions. The electronic controller can operate in conjunction with manual inputs or independently, providing precise control without requiring complete system replacement.
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
Enables precise control of the articulation joint, facilitating improved maneuverability and ease of operation by allowing automatic return to a non-articulated position, enhancing the vehicle's ability to maintain a straight path and providing a seamless transition between manual and automatic modes.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit includes a pump, an actuator in fluid communication with the pump, and a first valve assembly coupled to a user-manipulable control. The first valve assembly is configured to direct fluid from the pump to the actuator in response to movement of the user-manipulable control to pivot the first and second frames.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes a first frame, a second frame pivotally coupled to the first frame at an articulation joint, and a control circuit operable to control relative movement of the first and second frames about the articulation joint. The control circuit includes a pump, an actuator in fluid communication with the pump, and a first valve assembly coupled to a user-manipulable control. The first valve assembly is configured to direct fluid from the pump to the actuator in response to movement of the user-manipulable control to pivot the first and second frames. The control circuit also includes a second valve assembly configured to direct fluid from the pump to the actuator in response to receiving an electronic control signal to pivot the first and second frames.