Work Vehicle Implement Velocity Control via Linkage Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current work vehicles face challenges in maintaining consistent implement actuation velocity due to variations in mechanical advantage throughout the actuation cycle, affecting efficiency and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle system with a constant velocity implement controller, comprising a linkage assembly, actuator, sensor, and electronic control system that generates actuator commands based on operator input and linkage position to maintain constant implement velocity regardless of linkage position, using an operator interface, position sensor, and processing architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional linkage actuators are used without position-based velocity control, then the system is simpler and cheaper, but the implement velocity varies throughout the actuation cycle due to mechanical advantage changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses position sensors to continuously monitor the actual position of the linkage assembly and actuator, feeding this information back to the electronic control system. The control system then adjusts the actuator command in real-time based on the actual vs. desired position, ensuring constant implement velocity throughout the actuation cycle regardless of mechanical advantage variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical velocity control mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators. This substitution allows for precise velocity control through software algorithms that compensate for mechanical advantage changes, achieving consistent implement velocity without complex mechanical adjustments.
2Reliability
If position-based velocity control is implemented, then implement velocity consistency improves, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control where position sensors continuously monitor the actual position of the linkage assembly and actuator. The electronic control system compares the actual position with the desired position and adjusts the actuator command accordingly, ensuring reliable and consistent implement velocity control throughout the actuation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts control parameters based on the actual linkage position and mechanical advantage conditions. By changing the actuator command parameters in real-time according to position feedback, the system maintains constant implement velocity and improves actuation reliability across varying operating conditions.
3Productivity
If mechanical advantage variations are not compensated, then the system is simpler, but implement velocity varies affecting operation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compensation methods with electronic control that uses position sensors and processors to calculate and compensate for mechanical advantage variations. The electronic system adjusts actuator commands in real-time to maintain constant implement velocity, improving operation efficiency without complex mechanical modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically changes actuator command parameters based on real-time position feedback and calculated mechanical advantage. By adjusting velocity parameters throughout the actuation cycle to compensate for mechanical advantage variations, the system maintains consistent implement velocity and improves operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A work vehicle includes a frame; an implement; a linkage assembly mounting the implement to the frame; a linkage actuator coupled to the linkage assembly and the frame and configured to reposition the linkage assembly relative to the frame; a sensor configured to generate sensor position data associated with at least one of the linkage assembly and the linkage actuator representing a linkage position; an operator interface configured to receive operator input from an operator associated with the linkage actuator representing a velocity request; and an electronic control system having processing and memory architecture operatively coupled to the sensor, operator interface, and linkage actuator. The electronic control system is configured to generate an actuator command for the linkage actuator based on the velocity request and the linkage position that, upon execution, results in a constant velocity of the implement for the operator input regardless of the linkage position.