Shuttle Shifting Gear Selection for Vehicle Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In work vehicle transmissions, shuttle shifting often results in a change in vehicle speed due to non-identical gear ratios between corresponding forward and reverse gears, which can be disconcerting for operators.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allows operators to define whether the gear used after a shuttle shift operation is to be faster or slower than the original gear, using a DELTA value to select a higher or lower gear, ensuring control over speed changes during shuttle shifting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the transmission control system selects a gear with similar gear ratio for shuttle shifting, then the vehicle speed after shuttle shift is similar to that prior to shuttle shifting, but the gear ratio between corresponding forward and reverse gears is not identical which can result in speed change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle speed consistencyVSAvoidshuttle shifting performance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the gear selection based on operator preference (faster or slower gear) rather than using a fixed gear ratio matching approach. The controller modifies the shuttle shift gear selection in real-time based on the selected preference, making the system adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the gear ratio parameter selection by introducing a preference-based selection mechanism. Instead of always selecting the gear with similar gear ratio, the system now selects from multiple gear options (faster or slower) based on operator preference, thereby changing the operational parameters of the transmission system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the transmission control system places the vehicle in a gear opposite to that originally selected but having a similar gear ratio, then the speed of the work vehicle after the shuttle shift is similar to that prior to the shuttle shifting operation, but this may not account for operator preference regarding speed changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshuttle shift operation simplicityVSAvoidoperator preference adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static gear selection approach (always selecting opposite gear with similar ratio) to a dynamic approach where the gear selection changes based on real-time operator preference input. This allows the system to adapt its behavior while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows the operator to define their own preferences for shuttle shift behavior (faster or slower gear), making the system self-adjusting according to user needs. The operator effectively programs the system's behavior through preference selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3109515B1A method and apparatus for performing shuttle shifting in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 CNH IND ITALIA SPA
  • EP3109515B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3109515B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A method for performing shuttle shifting in a vehicle having a transmission with a plurality of forward gears and a plurality of corresponding reverse gears, the method comprising receiving a command to perform a shuttle shift operation when a forward gear has been engaged, and in response to receiving the command selecting a higher or lower reverse gear than the reverse gear corresponding to the engaged forward gear based on stored predetermined information; or receiving a command to perform a shuttle shift operation when a reverse gear has been engaged and in response to receiving the command selecting a higher or lower forward gear than the forward gear corresponding to the engaged reverse gear based on stored predetermined information.