Operation Control System for Work Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing operation control systems for work vehicles with hydraulic work apparatuses are complex due to the need for multiple operation tools to control various auxiliary control valves, complicating their arrangement and usability, especially when both single-operation and multi-operation tools are required.

Innovation Solution

The proposed operation control system features a flexible arrangement of mounting bases near the driver seat for single-operation and multi-operation tools, allowing for efficient mounting of either single-operation tools or a multi-operation tool like a joystick across multiple bases, enabling adaptive control of hydraulic valves based on the work apparatus's requirements, with the multi-operation tool capable of generating control signals in multiple directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation tools are provided to control various auxiliary control valves, then the control capability is improved, but the arrangement complexity and usability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single operation tool to control multiple auxiliary control valves through different operation directions. The operation tool is designed with multiple operation sections that can independently control different hydraulic valves, allowing one tool to perform the function of multiple tools while simplifying the arrangement in the manipulation section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple operation tools are provided to control various auxiliary control valves, then the control capability is improved, but the usability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidusability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple operation tools into a single integrated operation tool with multiple operation sections. Each section can independently control different auxiliary control valves, combining the functionality of multiple separate tools into one unified interface that improves usability while maintaining comprehensive control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The operation tool is designed as a universal control device that can adapt to control different hydraulic valves through its multiple operation sections, providing versatile control capability while presenting a simplified interface to the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If single-operation tools and multi-operation tools are mixed, then the control flexibility is improved, but the positioning complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a universal operation tool that can function as both single-operation and multi-operation tools depending on the configuration. The operation tool includes multiple operation sections that can be independently activated, allowing it to adapt to different control requirements without requiring separate positioning for different tool types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2987672B1Operation control system
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP2987672B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2987672B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2987672B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An operation control system for a work apparatus (22) equipped to a work vehicle includes a controller (100) controlling the work apparatus. A first hydraulic valve (261) and a second hydraulic valve (262) control hydraulic pressure supply to the work apparatus. An operation unit (4) provides an operation input signal to the controller. A first mounting base (41) and a second mounting base (42) are provided adjacently to each other in the operation unit. A first single-operation tool (91) is formed mountable on the first mounting base and a second single-operation tool (92) is formed mountable on the second mounting base. Further, a multi-operation tool (90) is mountable so as to straddle both the first mounting base and the second mounting base.