Work Vehicle Detent Control for Lever Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The detent function in work vehicles is disengaged when the lift arm angle exceeds a predetermined limit, causing the operation lever to inadvertently move to the opposite end position, compromising operator intention and vehicle operability.
Innovation Solution
A work vehicle with an arm angle sensor and a control unit that disengages and re-engages the detent mechanisms' holding functions based on the lift arm's angle, ensuring the operation lever remains at the intended position by managing power supply to detent coils.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the detent function is disengaged when the lift arm angle exceeds a predetermined upper limit, then the lift arm can move beyond its normal range, but the operation lever may inadvertently move to the opposite end position, compromising operator intention and vehicle operability
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the lift arm angle through the angle sensor and provides feedback control. When the lift arm angle exceeds the predetermined upper limit, the control unit receives this information and automatically disengages the detent function, preventing the operation lever from inadvertently moving to the opposite end position while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical detent mechanism with an electromechanical system. The detent coil generates magnetic force to hold the operation lever at the raising operation end position, and this magnetic holding force can be electrically controlled to be engaged or disengaged based on lift arm angle feedback, thereby solving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
2Ease of operation
If springs are used to hold the operation lever at a neutral position, then the lever returns to center position, but the detent function for holding the raising operation end position is disengaged, causing the lever to move close to the lowering operation end position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical return system with an electromechanical detent coil system. The detent coil uses magnetic force to actively hold the operation lever at the raising operation end position, providing more reliable position stability compared to passive spring return mechanisms, while still allowing controlled return to neutral when needed
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution improves the operability of the work vehicle by preventing unintended position changes of the operation lever, maintaining the intended lift arm state and enhancing operator control.
Implementation Method 1
an arm angle sensor that detects the angle of the lift arm
Implementation Method 2
the up detent mechanism includes an up detent coil that holds the operation lever at the raising operation end position with magnetic force
Data Source
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AI summary
A work vehicle, includes: a lift arm rotatably linked to a front portion of a vehicle body of a work vehicle so as to be allowed to swing along an up/down direction; an operation lever that can be operated within a range between a raising operation end position and a lowering operation end position, and is operated to raise and lower the lift arm; an up detent mechanism having a holding function for holding the operation lever at the raising operation end position once the operation lever is operated to the raising operation end position; and a down detent mechanism having a holding function for holding the operation lever at the lowering operation end position once the operation lever is operated to the lowering operation end position, wherein: when an angle of the lift arm becomes greater than a predetermined upper limit, the holding function of the up detent mechanism and the holding function of the down detent mechanism are disengaged.