Turf Work Vehicle With Hydrostatic Drive and Attachment Speed Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tractors are not well suited for operating on turf surfaces due to turf damage and lack of power for heavy loads, while utility vehicles are underpowered and lack standard three-point linkage, necessitating the need for two types of vehicles for different surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A single outdoor power equipment vehicle with a frame, steerable and driven wheels, a three-point linkage, and a microprocessor-based control system for maintaining fixed operational speeds, hydraulic traction balancing, and intuitive controls for attachments, enabling versatile turf operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a tractor is used for performing operations on turf surfaces, then power and versatility are improved, but turf damage occurs due to tires, weight distribution, and mechanical traction drive system
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle divides the drive system into independent hydrostatic circuits for each wheel, allowing individual control of each wheel's speed and torque. This segmentation enables the vehicle to reduce turf damage by independently adjusting wheel parameters while maintaining overall power output for heavy loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydrostatic drive system where a hydraulic pump driven by the engine connects to hydrostatic motors at each wheel through hydraulic hoses. This hydraulic transmission replaces mechanical drive systems, providing smooth power delivery and the ability to independently control each wheel, thereby reducing turf damage while maintaining tractor-level power.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a utility vehicle is used for operating on turf surfaces, then turf damage is minimized, but power and ability to perform heavy load operations are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle combines features of both tractors and utility vehicles into a single multi-functional platform. It has the power and three-point linkage of a tractor for heavy operations, plus the hydrostatic drive and four-wheel steering of a utility vehicle for turf-friendly operation, enabling it to perform both agricultural and grounds maintenance functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle integrates composite structural elements including a tubular steel frame combined with plastic fenders and body panels. This composite approach allows the vehicle to achieve both strength for heavy loads and design flexibility for turf-friendly features.
3Power
If a tractor is used for heavy load operations, then power and load capacity are improved, but maneuverability in small spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle employs dynamically controllable hydrostatic drive systems that allow real-time adjustment of wheel speeds and torques. Combined with four-wheel steering capability, this enables the vehicle to dynamically adapt its movement characteristics for both heavy load transport and tight space maneuvering, switching between tractor-like and utility vehicle-like behavior as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle combining the attributes of a tractor and a utility vehicle includes a three point linkage and other locations to which a plurality of attachments for performing grooming or working operations on a ground or turf surface may be couple. The vehicle includes a front mounted engine, a mid-mounted operator compartment and a rear mounted bed or box. A PTO shaft and/or a hydraulic power system of the vehicle power attachments that require power. A control system and a visual display and data entry device linked thereto are provided for allowing an authorized person to setup, store and thereafter use an operational profile for each attachment that is to be coupled to the vehicle. In a rate dependent attachment, the control system maintains the ground speed and the attachment implement in a fixed ratio. A down/up control is used to signal the start and end of an operational sequence to the control system.