Work Vehicle Steering Lever Control for Speed and Direction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating a work vehicle, such as a bulldozer, is challenging due to the need to use both hands and feet simultaneously, especially on inclined surfaces, which decreases operability and makes it difficult to control the vehicle's direction and speed effectively.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle equipped with a controller that allows operators to control the vehicle's direction and speed using left and right steering levers, enabling the vehicle to turn left or right and reduce speed by operating both levers, simplifying the operation and improving workability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the operator uses both hands and feet to control the work vehicle, then the vehicle can be controlled effectively, but the operation becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of the deceleration pedal and steering control into a single steering lever system. When both steering levers are operated, the system integrates deceleration control with steering input, allowing the operator to control direction and speed using only hand operations on the levers, eliminating the need for foot operation of the deceleration pedal
Solution Approach 2:
The steering lever is designed to perform multiple functions: steering control when operated alone, and integrated deceleration control when both levers are operated. This multi-functionality allows a single control device to replace both the traditional steering mechanism and the deceleration pedal, simplifying the overall control system
2Speed
If the operator presses the deceleration pedal to reduce engine rotation speed, then the vehicle speed can be reduced, but the operation requires foot coordination which complicates control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the deceleration function (previously requiring foot operation of the deceleration pedal) with the steering lever operation. When both steering levers are operated simultaneously, the system detects this input and automatically engages deceleration control, allowing speed reduction through hand-operated levers alone
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives signals from both steering levers and translates dual-lever operation into engine deceleration commands. This intermediary processing allows the system to interpret the operator's intent and execute appropriate speed control without requiring direct foot operation
3Reliability
If the operator operates controls with both hands and feet, then complete vehicle control is achieved, but operability decreases on inclined surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines steering and deceleration functions into a unified lever-based control system that can be operated with one hand. This integration is particularly beneficial on inclined surfaces where the operator can maintain better body balance while controlling both direction and speed through the steering levers alone
Data Source
AI summary
A controller controls the steering device so as to cause a vehicle body to turn toward the left when a left steering lever is operated without a right steering lever being operated. The controller controls the steering device so as to cause the vehicle body to turn toward the right when the right steering lever is operated without the left steering lever being operated. The controller reduces the rotation speed of the engine when both the left steering lever and the right steering lever are operated and both the operation amount of the left steering lever and the operation amount of the right steering lever are equal to or greater than a first threshold.