Pilot Neutralizing System for Articulated Work Vehicle Steering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pilot neutralizing systems in articulated work vehicles fail to effectively prevent frame-to-frame contact by not adequately controlling the steering motion as the vehicle approaches full articulation, leading to potential damage and operational inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A pilot neutralizing system that includes a controller, pilot neutralizer, and sensors to detect articulation position and adjust the pilot signal at the steering valve, either de-energizing or energizing the pilot neutralizer to resist the actuating assembly's movement, thereby preventing frame-to-frame contact by cushioning the steering motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the steering valve allows full articulation motion, then the vehicle achieves maximum steering range, but frame-to-frame contact occurs causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesteering rangeVSAvoidframe-to-frame contact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pilot neutralizer system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting when the articulation position enters the cushion region and automatically neutralizing the pilot signal before frame-to-frame contact can occur. This preemptive neutralization of the steering command prevents the harmful contact while maintaining the ability to achieve full steering range when appropriate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback through articulation position sensors that continuously monitor the steering angle and provide real-time data to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine when to activate the pilot neutralizer, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents frame contact while preserving full steering capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the pilot neutralizer is activated to prevent frame contact, then steering motion is restrained, but steering responsiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe contact preventionVSAvoidsteering responsiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pilot neutralizer system dynamically adjusts its restraining effect based on real-time articulation position feedback. The neutralizer is only activated when the cushion region is detected, allowing full steering responsiveness during normal operation while providing progressive resistance as the articulation approachs the cushion region, thus maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the steering motion is abruptly stopped to prevent frame contact, then frame-to-frame contact is prevented, but steering smoothness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveframe contact preventionVSAvoidsteering smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by creating a cushion region through progressive pilot signal neutralization before frame-to-frame contact occurs. As the articulation enters this cushion region, the pilot neutralizer gradually reduces the steering command, providing a smooth deceleration that prevents both frame contact and abrupt steering stops, thereby maintaining steering smoothness while preventing damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The system effectively cushions the steering motion before frame-to-frame contact occurs, preventing damage and enhancing operational safety and efficiency by precisely controlling the steering motion based on articulation position.

Implementation Method 1

The steering valve is hydraulically coupled to the fluid pump and the actuating assembly and is configured to change a direction of the hydraulic fluid to operate the actuating assembly based on positions of the steering valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fluid direction control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS11591017B2Pilot neutralizing system

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A pilot neutralizing system of a work vehicle may include a pilot neutralizer. The work vehicle may include a first frame portion and a second frame portion. The work vehicle has an actuating assembly used to pivot the first frame portion relative to the second frame portion. The pilot neutralizer is electrically coupled to a controller receiving a signal indicative of an articulation position. The pilot neutralizer is hydraulically coupled between an operator control member and a steering valve to selectively change a pilot signal at the steering valve. The pilot signal is used to switch the steering valve to change a direction of a hydraulic fluid flowing from the steering valve to the actuating assembly. When the articulation position reaches a cushion region during steering, the pilot neutralizer is de-energized or energized by the controller to change the pilot signal at the steering valve to resist the actuating assembly from moving.