Remote Linkage Control for Work Vehicle Implement Lift

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work vehicles require complex mechanisms to operate link mechanisms with work implements, often necessitating the control lever's presence in inconvenient locations, leading to space constraints and operational difficulties.

Innovation Solution

A work vehicle design incorporating a second displacement transmission mechanism that allows operation of the control lever from a location apart from the primary control lever position, using a linkage system with a fulcrum, intermediate joints, and a coupler link to shift the control lever without altering the first displacement transmission mechanism, enabling simpler operation and reduced manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a control lever is positioned at the conventional location to operate the link mechanism, then the control lever can effectively control the work implement, but it occupies valuable space and creates operational difficulties in confined areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol lever accessibilityVSAvoidspace occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the additional operational mechanism and the control lever, transmitting motion from a space-efficient location to the control point without requiring the control lever itself to occupy premium space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into two independent pathways: the primary control lever pathway and the additional operational mechanism pathway via linkage, allowing the additional mechanism to be positioned in otherwise unused space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If an additional operational mechanism is added to operate the control lever from a different location, then operational flexibility is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage mechanism serves multiple functions: it transmits motion from the additional operational mechanism, maintains proper control lever positioning, and enables alternative operation modes without requiring a completely separate control system

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

Solution Approach 2:

The additional operational mechanism essentially copies the control lever's function through the linkage, providing redundant control capability from a different location without redesigning the entire control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Ease of operation

If the control lever is relocated to provide easier access, then operational ease is improved, but the connection to the drive mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator accessibilityVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage serves as a motion-transmitting intermediary that bridges the gap between the newly positioned operational mechanism and the existing drive mechanism, maintaining simplicity in both the control interface and the power transmission path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3841858B1Work vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP3841858B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3841858B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3841858B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A work vehicle includes a link mechanism to be equipped with a work implement, a drive mechanism to drive the link mechanism to ascend and descend the work implement, and a control lever is to be operated to ascend and descend the work implement. The work vehicle includes a first displacement transmission mechanism, an additional operational mechanism, and a second displacement transmission mechanism. The first displacement transmission mechanism links the drive mechanism and the control lever to transmit a displacement of the control lever to the drive mechanism. The additional operational mechanism is configured to operate the control lever at a location apart from a position of the control lever. The second displacement transmission mechanism mechanically links the additional operational mechanism and the control lever without interposing the first displacement transmission mechanism to shift the control lever in accordance with an operation of the additional operational mechanism.