Electronic Joystick Control for Harvesting Vehicle Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Self-propelled fruit harvesting vehicles experience significant vertical swaying on rough terrain due to the positioning of the steering column, leading to involuntary driver movements and loss of control, posing a safety risk.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a centralized unit that integrates an electronic joystick with adjustable sensitivity, allowing for controlled acceleration and braking on both on- and off-road conditions, along with a safety switch and automatic end-of-row functions, to stabilize the vehicle and enhance operator safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the steering column is arranged in front of the front axle, then the driving position can be positioned for optimal steering control, but the vertical swaying of the driving position increases significantly on rough terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical steering column with an electronic joystick control system. The joystick is coupled to a control unit that electronically controls the steering actuator, thereby eliminating the mechanical connection between the steering column and the vehicle frame that causes vertical swaying transmission to the driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the joystick and the steering actuator. This control unit processes the operator's inputs and commands the steering actuator accordingly, decoupling the driver from the mechanical vibrations and swaying of the vehicle frame while maintaining steering control functionality.
2Device complexity
If mechanical joysticks are used to control acceleration and braking, then the control system becomes more integrated, but the control precision and sensitivity adjustment capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the control unit can adjust the sensitivity and response characteristics of the acceleration and braking controls based on operating conditions. The system adapts its control parameters in real-time, allowing for optimized performance across different terrain and speed conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables variable sensitivity control through the control unit, which can modify control parameters such as acceleration rates, braking force, and response thresholds. This allows the operator to adjust the control characteristics to match specific operating conditions, improving both precision and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the driving position is positioned outside the area between the axles, then the steering access is improved, but the vertical swaying due to pitching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical steering column that transmits vertical swaying directly to the driver with an electronic joystick system. The joystick is mounted on a stable platform and coupled to the control unit, which electronically actuates the steering, thereby isolating the driver from the vertical motions caused by vehicle pitching.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~4c
AI summary
Self-propelled work vehicle for harvesting fruit (20), with a front axle (31), a rear axle (32), a steering column (26), an engine (30), a control pedal (25), a seat (29) mounted in a driving position (36) and a plurality of tools (40), with a control system (21) for controlling the engine (30), the tools (40), the control pedal (25). The control system (21) comprises an electronic joystick (27), which controls the progress of the self-propelled work vehicle for harvesting fruit (20) so that acceleration and braking are proportional with respect to the angle α of inclination and in which the speed reached by the self-propelled work vehicle for harvesting fruit (20) is maintained when the electronic joystick (27) is released.