Work Vehicle Attachment Service Mode for Slow Part Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing work vehicles with rotatable attachments face challenges in efficiently inspecting and replacing worn service parts due to their high operational rotation rates, which complicates maintenance and service operations.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that activates a service mode to limit the rotation of rotatable components to a slower service rotation rate when raised to a service height, allowing for inspection and replacement of worn parts, and then returns to operational rotation upon completion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the rotatable component rotates at operational rotation rate, then productivity is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational rotation rateVSAvoidservice part wear inspection

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the rotation rate of the rotatable component based on operational mode. A service mode is activated that limits rotation to a service rotation rate (slower than operational rate) when the attachment is raised to service height, enabling safe inspection and replacement of service parts. The controller automatically adjusts rotation speed between operational and service modes, allowing both high productivity during operation and safe maintenance during servicing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of repair

If the attachment is raised to service height, then ease of repair is improved, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice part accessVSAvoidattachment position stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A sensor detects when the attachment is raised to service height and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to automatically activate service mode, which limits the rotation rate to a slower service rotation rate. This feedback mechanism ensures that the attachment only operates in service mode when properly positioned at service height, maintaining stability while enabling ease of repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of repair

If the rotation rate is reduced to service rotation rate, then ease of repair is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice part replacement safetyVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between operational rotation rate (high productivity) and service rotation rate (high safety) based on operational mode. The controller automatically adjusts rotation speed when service mode is activated, ensuring high productivity during normal operation while providing safe conditions for maintenance activities when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250327264A1Work vehicle attachment service mode

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 DEERE & CO

AI summary

A method for servicing an attachment for a work vehicle. Activating a service mode that limits a rotation of a rotatable component of the attachment to a service rotation rate that rotates the rotatable component slower than an operational rotation rate when the attachment is raised to a service height. Raising the attachment to the service height. Rotating the rotatable component of the attachment at the service rotation rate to enable a service part wear inspection. Stopping the rotation to replace the service part. Lowering the attachment to an operational height. Deactivating the service mode to enable the rotatable component to rotate at the operational rotation rate.