Work Vehicle Run Control via Single-Tool Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional work vehicles require operators to manually switch between automatic and manual run modes, complicating operations, especially when transitioning from manual steering to automatic running, which further complicates the process due to the need for additional actions like lowering work instruments.

Innovation Solution

A run control method and system that allows operators to switch between automatic and manual run modes using a single operation tool, such as a lifting/lowering lever, where the first operation initiates automatic running and the second operation initiates manual running, simplifying the switching process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the operator manually switches between automatic and manual run modes using a separate operation switch, then the work vehicle can switch run modes, but the operator's operation becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic run mode switchingVSAvoidoperator operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operation tool is designed to serve multiple functions: it can perform manual steering operations and also serve as the switch for transitioning between automatic and manual run modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate mode switching switch, thereby simplifying the operator's operation while maintaining the capability to switch between automatic and manual run modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the operator needs to lower the work instrument while switching from manual to automatic run, then the work instrument positioning is maintained, but the operator's work becomes further complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework instrument positioningVSAvoidoperator operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically maintaining the work instrument's lifting/lowering state during mode transitions. When the operator operates the tool to switch from manual to automatic run, the system has already prepared to maintain the current instrument position, eliminating the need for the operator to manually lower the work instrument during the switching process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Extent of automation

If a separate operation switch is used for mode switching, then the run mode can be switched, but the number of operation steps increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverun mode controlVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the mode switching function with the existing manual steering operation tool. Instead of requiring a separate operation switch and additional switching steps, the same operation tool serves both for manual steering and for triggering the transition between automatic and manual run modes, thereby reducing the number of operation steps and saving time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4252506A1Run control method, run control system, work vehicle, and run control program
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 YANMAR HLDG CO LTD
  • EP4252506A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4252506A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4252506A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a run control method, a run control system, a work vehicle, and a run control program that can improve an operator's operability in the work vehicle capable of switching between an automatic run and a manual run. [Solution] A reception processing unit 112 receives an operator's operation on an operation tool that causes a work vehicle 10 to perform a given motion. The motion processing unit 114 causes the work vehicle 10 to perform a motion that corresponds to the operator's operation on the operation tool. A run processing unit 111 causes the work vehicle 10 to automatically run when the operator's first operation on the operation tool is received, and causes the work vehicle 10 to manually run when the operator's second operation on the operation tool is received.