Work Vehicle Steering Mode Selection for Conflict-Free Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional work vehicle steering systems lack flexibility in handling multiple steering instructions from different control units, leading to potential conflicts and inefficiencies in operation.

Innovation Solution

A control system that includes a steering control unit capable of receiving and executing steering instructions from multiple direction control units, with a selector to choose between modes that prioritize either set of instructions, and engagement switches to enable or restrict their execution, ensuring only one set of instructions is followed at a time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the steering control unit receives steering instructions from multiple direction control units, then the adaptability and versatility of the control system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple control units and conflict resolution mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering control flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a selector as an intermediary component between multiple direction control units and the steering control unit. This selector receives steering instructions from different sources and selectively passes one set of instructions to the steering control unit, thereby managing the complexity of handling multiple control inputs without requiring the steering control unit itself to implement complex conflict resolution logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the steering control unit executes steering instructions from one direction control unit, then the reliability of steering control is improved by avoiding conflicts, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need for manual mode selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteering control reliabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates engagement switches that automatically enable or disable specific direction control units based on their operational state. For example, when a work vehicle subsystem is active, its associated engagement switch automatically enables that direction control unit, reducing the need for manual intervention while maintaining reliable conflict-free steering control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If engagement switches are provided for each direction control unit, then the reliability of instruction execution is improved by preventing conflicting commands, but the device complexity increases due to additional control components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstruction execution reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol component quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the selector and engagement switches into an integrated control mechanism. The selector works in conjunction with engagement switches to both select which direction control unit's instructions are received and to enable/disable specific control units based on their operational state, thereby reducing the need for separate complex control components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4461622A1Control system and control method for a work vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 KUBOTA CORP
  • EP4461622A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4461622A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4461622A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A control system for a work vehicle (10) having a displacement device (18) by which the work vehicle (10) can travel, the control system comprising a steering control unit (12) configured to control the displacement device (18) to execute steering instructions, the steering control unit (12) being configured to receive first steering instructions from a first direction control unit (21) and second steering instructions from a second direction control unit (22), and a selector (14) for selecting a first mode in which the steering control unit (12) is to execute the first steering instructions and to ignore the second steering instructions, and a second mode in which the steering control unit (12) is to execute the second steering instructions and to ignore the first steering instructions.