Manual Override Actuator for Precise Unloading Vehicle Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current agricultural systems lack an efficient method for manually overriding automated distance control in material transfer vehicles, leading to potential misalignment during unloading operations.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle control system with a manual override actuator that allows operators to manually override the automated ground distance control system, enabling precise movement of the material transfer vehicle by a configurable distance based on the type of actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automated ground distance control system is used to automatically control the propulsion system, then productivity is improved through automation, but ease of operation deteriorates when manual intervention is needed for misalignment correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation efficiencyVSAvoidmanual override capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A manual override actuator serves as an intermediary between the operator and the automated ground distance control system. When the operator actuates this device, it temporarily suspends automated control and directly controls the propulsion system to move the material transfer vehicle a predetermined distance, enabling quick manual intervention without complex procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically switches between automated mode and manual override mode based on operator input. The automated ground distance control system normally operates autonomously to maintain high productivity, but can be quickly transitioned to manual control when misalignment is detected, and then returned to automated mode after correction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If automated ground distance control system operates without manual override capability, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to correct misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The manual override actuator functions as a simple intermediary device that adds minimal complexity to the automated system. It provides a straightforward manual intervention mechanism that operators can use to correct positioning errors without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the control parameter from fully automated to manual override when the actuator is engaged. This parameter change allows the system to switch between precision automated control and simple manual adjustment, enabling correction of positioning errors while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If manual override actuator is added to the automated control system, then ease of operation is improved for misalignment correction, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual intervention capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual override actuator is designed as a standalone intermediary component that interfaces with the existing automated control system. It provides manual intervention capability through a simple actuation mechanism that triggers predetermined actions in the propulsion system, adding minimal structural complexity while maximizing operational ease

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual override actuator is pre-configured with predetermined movement distances and control parameters. When actuated, it immediately executes the pre-programmed action without requiring complex real-time calculations or adjustments, simplifying the overall control system structure while providing effective manual override capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250291347A1Manual override actuator for automated distance control
Publication Date: 2025.09.18 DEERE & CO
  • US20250291347A1 patent drawing
  • US20250291347A1 patent drawing
  • US20250291347A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An automated ground distance control system automatically controls a propulsion vehicle to travel a desired distance. Operator actuation of a manual override actuator is detected. Based on the detected actuation, the automated ground distance control system controls the propulsion vehicle to move a manual override distance. In one example, a configuration system exposes an operator interface for configuring the value of the manual override distance.