Work Vehicle Ride Control for Drawn Implement Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Work vehicles experience reduced driving performance and operator comfort when transporting drawn implements due to variable loads caused by the implement vibrating or swinging during high-speed travel on uneven roads, leading to significant load variations that impact the vehicle's ride smoothness.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize sensors to detect load variations transmitted through the drawbar-related components, with a controller adjusting the implement and vehicle suspension systems to dampen these variations by controlling the position of the implement and vehicle axles relative to the ground, thereby reducing load variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the implement is transported in its raised position at high speeds, then transport efficiency is improved, but load variability increases causing reduced driving performance and operator comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the suspension system actively adjustable during transport. The controller dynamically modifies the suspension characteristics (spring rate, damping) based on real-time conditions to maintain load stability while enabling high-speed transport. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its mechanical properties rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of the suspension system (spring rate, damping coefficient) to optimize performance during high-speed transport. By adjusting these parameters in real-time or pre-configuring them for transport mode, the system maintains load stability while achieving high transport speeds, resolving the contradiction between speed and load stability.
2Ease of operation
If the implement is transported in its raised position, then ride smoothness deteriorates due to implement vibration and swinging, but transport capability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect load variations and implement position, then sending signals to the controller which adjusts the suspension system accordingly. This closed-loop control reduces harmful load variations during transport while maintaining transport capability, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system acts as an intermediary between the implement and the vehicle chassis. It absorbs and dampens the harmful vibrations and swinging motions of the implement, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the vehicle and operator. This mediator approach allows transport capability while reducing harmful load variations.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors and control systems are added to reduce load variability, then ride smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating the suspension system control with existing vehicle systems (hydraulic system, existing sensors). The suspension control valve and controller serve multiple functions: they manage both implement suspension and vehicle ride quality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still reducing load variability.
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 driving performance and ride smoothness of work vehicles by effectively reducing load variability during transport, enhancing the stability and comfort of the vehicle and operator.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the operation of at least one of an implement suspension system of the drawn implement or a vehicle suspension system of the work vehicle so as to reduce the variation in the monitored load
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for providing improved ride control for a work vehicle when transporting a drawn implement may include monitoring a load applied through a drawbar-related component(s) of the work vehicle while the drawn implement is being transported, wherein the drawn implement is located at a transport position relative to a driving surface of the work vehicle such that a ground engaging tool of the drawn implement is located above the driving surface. The method may also include detecting a variation in the monitored load over time, comparing the detected load variation in the monitored load to a predetermined load variance threshold and controlling an operation of at least one of an implement suspension system of the drawn implement or a vehicle suspension system of the work vehicle so as to reduce the detected load variation in the monitored load when the load variation exceeds the predetermined load variance threshold.