Work Vehicle Control Lever Transfer Function Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles, such as wheel loaders, face challenges in rapidly moving implements due to the slow responsiveness of their hydraulic systems to rapid control lever movements, limiting the ability to shake off accumulated dirt or debris effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a computing device to monitor control lever movements across defined ranges and switch between baseline and adjusted transfer functions to control the flow rate of hydraulic fluid, allowing for different operating modes such as a shake mode with increased responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the hydraulic system uses a baseline transfer function to control the tilt cylinder, then the system operates reliably with stable fluid flow, but the responsiveness to rapid control lever movements is too slow to enable effective implement shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the transfer function adjustable based on operating conditions. The system dynamically switches between a baseline transfer function (for stable operation) and an adjusted transfer function (for rapid response during shaking). This allows the hydraulic system to adapt its characteristics in real-time, achieving both stability and responsiveness as needed without requiring two separate systems.
2Productivity
If the control lever is moved rapidly back and forth to shake the implement, then the operator can attempt to remove accumulated debris, but the baseline transfer function limits the flow rate increase speed, preventing effective shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the transfer function parameters based on detected operating patterns. When rapid control lever movements are detected (indicating shaking intent), the system switches to an adjusted transfer function with modified parameters that allow much faster flow rate increases. This parameter change enables the hydraulic system to deliver the high-speed fluid flow needed for effective implement shaking and debris removal.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses a single baseline transfer function for all operations, then the control system remains simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to different operating modes such as shaking vs. normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling a single hydraulic control system to perform both normal operation and shaking operation through transfer function adjustment. The computing device monitors control lever patterns and automatically selects the appropriate transfer function, allowing the same hardware to adapt to different operating modes without requiring separate control systems for each function.
4Speed
If the transfer function allows rapid flow rate increases for shaking, then the implement can be shaken effectively, but the system may become overly responsive and unstable during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the transfer function based on detected operating patterns. During normal operation, the baseline transfer function provides stable, predictable control. When shaking is detected through rapid control lever movements, the system switches to the adjusted transfer function that enables rapid flow rate increases and fast implement movement. This dynamic switching maintains stability when needed while enabling high-speed operation when required.
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present subject matter is directed to a system and method for controlling the operation of a work vehicle based on the multi-mode identification of operator inputs. Specifically, the movement of an input device of the work vehicle may be monitored relative to two or more movement ranges defined within or across the range of positions defining the input device's overall travel range. When it is detected that the operator has made a pattern of input device movements relative to one of the movement ranges, a new operating mode may be selected or activated that adjusts the transfer function used to control the movement of a component of the work vehicle based on the position of the input device.