Work Vehicle Steering Control for Auto-Manual Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing agricultural and construction vehicles face challenges in smoothly operating automatic steering alongside other operation devices, as existing systems do not effectively integrate manual and automatic steering modes with other operational functions like lifting and speed control.

Innovation Solution

The vehicle is equipped with a steering handle for manual or automatic steering based on a traveling reference line, an operation device that can initiate lifting or speed changes, and a controller that terminates automatic steering when specific conditions are met, such as a predetermined steering angle or operation device activation, allowing for seamless integration of automatic steering with manual operations like lifting and double-speed capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If automatic steering is performed continuously without interruption, then the automatic steering precision is maintained, but the operation of other devices (lifter, double-speed) cannot be smoothly executed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic steering precisionVSAvoidoperation smoothness of other devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic steering control is made dynamic by allowing it to be activated or deactivated based on the operational state of other devices. The controller automatically switches between automatic steering mode and manual control mode depending on whether the lifter or double-speed devices are operating, ensuring that automatic steering precision is maintained when applicable while allowing smooth operation of other devices when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the automatic steering is terminated when operation devices are activated, then the operation smoothness of other devices is improved, but the automatic steering precision is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation smoothness of other devicesVSAvoidautomatic steering precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system periodically checks the operational state of attached devices (lifter, double-speed) and adjusts the automatic steering mode accordingly. When these devices are activated, the automatic steering is temporarily terminated to allow smooth operation. When these devices are deactivated, the automatic steering is automatically reactivated to restore precision navigation along the reference line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual steering is used instead of automatic steering during device operation, then the operation flexibility is improved, but the traveling accuracy along reference line is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation flexibilityVSAvoidtraveling accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service by automatically detecting when other devices need to operate and switching the steering mode accordingly. The controller monitors the operational state of attached devices and autonomously decides when to switch between automatic and manual steering modes, eliminating the need for operator intervention and ensuring both flexibility and accuracy are maintained optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the system integrates multiple operation devices with automatic steering, then the device versatility is improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle both automatic steering control and monitoring of multiple attached devices (lifter, double-speed). A single control unit performs multiple functions: navigating along the reference line, detecting device operational states, and switching steering modes. This universal approach reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate dedicated controllers for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3822149B1Work vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.08 KUBOTA CORP

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AI summary

For smoothly operating automatic steering and other operation devices different from the automatic steering, a working vehicle (1) is provided, comprising a steering handle (30), a vehicle body (3) configured to travel with either manual steering by the steering handle (30) or automatic steering of the steering handle (30) based on a traveling reference line (L1), an operation device provided to the vehicle body (3), and a controller (60) configured to terminate the automatic steering when the operation device is operated under the automatic steering is performed.