Work Vehicle Transport Control System for Simultaneous Implement Stowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for preparing off-road work vehicles, such as motor graders, for transport are complex and require numerous operator inputs and sequences to stow multiple implements and change non-work implement states, leading to inefficiency and increased operator strain.
Innovation Solution
A control system with a controller and operator controls that allow for simultaneous stowing of multiple work implements and changing of non-work implement states using a single activation event, assessing the vehicle's posture to ensure safe stowing and automating re-posturing if necessary, thereby reducing operator effort and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional control systems are used to prepare work vehicles for transport, then multiple implements can be stowed and non-work implement states can be changed, but the number of operator inputs and sequences required increases, leading to inefficiency and increased operator strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control functions (stowing multiple implements and changing non-work implement states) into a single control operation. The controller receives a single input signal and automatically executes a sequence of control commands to stow all work implements and adjust non-work implements simultaneously, reducing operator inputs from multiple sequential actions to a single action.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-programmed with the complete sequence of control commands needed to stow implements and adjust non-work implements. When the single input signal is received, the controller automatically executes the pre-planned sequence without requiring real-time operator input for each step, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining comprehensive control.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple implements are stowed using separate control inputs, then each implement can be positioned independently, but the time required for transport preparation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent positioning operations into a single coordinated action. The controller simultaneously executes control commands for multiple implements, positioning them all in their stowed orientations at the same time rather than sequentially, thereby reducing preparation time while maintaining individual positioning accuracy through coordinated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously executes the sequence of control commands without interruption or pause between implements. The stowing operations proceed continuously and simultaneously for all implements, eliminating idle time between operations and maximizing the continuity of useful action during transport preparation.
3Productivity
If the vehicle posture is not assessed before stowing implements, then the stowing process can proceed quickly, but the risk of damage or interference during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically assesses the vehicle posture as a preliminary action before executing the stowing sequence. This posture assessment is performed automatically in advance, allowing the system to determine whether implements can be safely stowed in the current vehicle configuration, thereby ensuring transport safety without requiring manual operator intervention or slowing down the overall process.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a work vehicle has at least one controller and at least one operator control with one or more control inputs configured to send control signals to the controller. The controller is configured to output a plurality of control commands corresponding to one or more control signals from a single activation event of the one or more control inputs. The control commands are configured to effect movement of multiple work implements into stowed orientations.