Shift Mechanism for Single Control Device in Work Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work vehicles require multiple control devices to manage both work vehicle actuators and removable attachment actuators, leading to complexity and inefficiency in operation.

Innovation Solution

An operator control system with a shift device that allows a single control device to seamlessly transition between controlling the work vehicle actuator and the attachment actuator, using an operator control interface and a shift mechanism that can be foot or hand actuated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control devices are used to control both work vehicle actuators and attachment actuators, then each actuator can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol capabilityVSAvoidnumber of control devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single control device is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling both work vehicle actuators and attachment actuators through a shift mechanism that enables the control device to switch between different control modes, eliminating the need for separate control devices for each actuator type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple control devices are used to manage work vehicle actuators and attachment actuators, then precise control is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device incorporates a shift mechanism that dynamically changes the control configuration based on operational needs, allowing the single control device to adapt between controlling work vehicle actuators and attachment actuators, thereby maintaining control precision while simplifying the operator interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single control device is used to control both work vehicle actuators and attachment actuators, then device complexity is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring control state increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of control devicesVSAvoidcontrol state monitoring

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide information about the current control state and the state of both work vehicle actuators and attachment actuators, enabling the operator to monitor the single control device's performance and the system's response accurately

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10240321B2Method for utilizing single input device and button to control multiple auxiliary functions

Publication Date: 2019.03.26 DEERE & CO

AI summary

An operator control system for a work vehicle having at least one work vehicle actuator and at least one removable attachment with at least one attachment actuator. The operator control system comprises an operator control interface. At least one control device is coupled to the operator control interface. The control device is configured to control at least one of the work vehicle actuator and the attachment actuator. A shift device is configured to shift the control device from controlling at least one of the work vehicle actuator and the attachment actuator to the other of the at least one of the work vehicle actuator and the attachment actuator.