E02F3/844

Steering system
11505244 · 2022-11-22 · ·

A system and method for steering a machine. The system may comprise a controller configured to receive a steering command and determine a target angular turn rate for the body and a target turn direction for the body. The controller may be further configured to determine a steering mode based on a transmission output torque, the steering mode including Traction-steering, Assisted-steering or Implement-steering. When the steering mode is Assisted-steering, the controller is configured to steer the machine in the target turn direction and at the target angular turn rate by (a) moving an implement from a first position to a second position and (b) diverting or removing power from a first ground engaging traction member. When the steering mode is Implement-steering, the controller is configured to move the implement from a first position to a second position to steer the machine in the target turn direction and at the target angular turn rate without diverting or removing power from the first ground engaging traction member.

BLADE POSITIONING DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FOR MOTOR GRADER

A diagnostic system for a motor grader with a blade, a drawbar member, and a center shift mounting member associated with a drawbar-circle-moldboard (DCM) includes actuators connecting the blade to the DCM and interconnecting other components of the motor grader. The actuators affect movement of the blade relative to the DCM and affect movement of the other interconnected components relative to each other. Sensors generate signals indicative of a current position of the blade and positions of the other components of the motor grader. An input device receives an operator input indicative of a selection of predefined, diagnostic positions that can be checked visually by the operator for confirmation of proper operation. A controller selectively actuates the actuators based on the selection of a diagnostic position and a signal indicative of the current position of the blade to move the blade and other components of the motor grader into the selected diagnostic position.

MOTOR GRADER BLADE WITH ABILITY TO FOLLOW FRONT TIRES

A blade positioning system for a work machine is disclosed. The system may have a blade control which has a blade position sensor, and the blade control may adjust a blade of the work machine to a fixed position relative to a wheel. The system may also have a steering control that has a wheel position sensor, and the steering control may steer the work machine. The controller may monitor the blade position sensor and the wheel position sensor to determine a present position of the blade and the wheel prior to the repositioning of the wheel, and adjust the blade position as the wheel is repositioned to maintain the fixed position of the blade relative to the wheel.

Torque dividing arrangement for a circle drive

A circle drive for rotating a blade on a draft frame of a motor grader includes a circle gear mounting the blade, a worm wheel, a torque dividing arrangement, and a single input provided on a first shaft. The torque dividing arrangement includes a set of shafts positioned about the worm wheel, a torque dividing gear set, and a set of worm gears meshed with the worm wheel. The worm wheel is operatively coupled to drive the circle gear. The set of worm gears includes a first worm gear on a first shaft and a second worm gear on a second shaft. The single input is configured to provide a driving torque that drives the set of worm gears such that the set of worm gears divides the driving torque. The driving torque is capable of driving the worm wheel for driving the circle gear and rotating the blade.

Construction machine equipped with dozer

Provided is a construction machine equipped with a dozer and capable of holding the dozer in an upper position. The construction machine includes a dozer cylinder that brings the dozer into rotational movement, a first cylinder pin, a first connection member joined with an end of the first cylinder pin and defining a first through-hole, a second cylinder pin, a second connection member joined with an end of the second cylinder pin and defining a second through-hole, and a fixing member to be detachably connected to the first and second connection members to interconnect them and thereby fix the dozer in the upper position.

Measuring arrangement for measuring three dimensional location and orientation of the center axis of first axle in relation to the center axis of second axle
11499297 · 2022-11-15 · ·

A measuring arrangement includes a positioning arrangement including at least one locator, at least one first spot to be located, at least one second spot to be located, and a position data gathering unit for gathering a first set of at least three different position data measurements of each of the at least one first spot to be located, wherein the different position data measurements are taken in different rotation angles around a first axle, and a second set of at least three different position data measurements of each of the at least one second spot to be located, wherein the different position data measurements are taken in different rotation angles around a second axle. The three dimensional location and orientation of the center axis of the first axle with respect to the center axis of the second axle are determined on the basis of the first and second set of position data measurements.

Circle drive control system for a grading machine
11572669 · 2023-02-07 · ·

A control system for a grading machine includes a circle angle sensor coupled to a circle. The circle is coupled to and supports a grading blade, and the circle angle sensor is configured to measure an angular position of the circle. The control system also includes a blade load sensor configured to measure a load on the grading blade. The control system also includes a circle drive system including a circle drive motor and a controller. The circle drive motor is configured to engage with and rotate the circle around a circle axis, and the controller is configured to control the rotation of the circle under a circle rotation command by monitoring the angular position of the circle and the load on the grading blade.

Machine joystick with ergonomic features

An input device for performing control functions of a machine having a work tool may include a left-hand joystick mounted on a left armrest of an operator's seat, and a right-hand joystick mounted on a right armrest of an operator's seat. Each of the left-hand and right-hand joysticks may include a base portion configured to conform to and least partially cradle an operator's hand, a handle extending from the base portion with a proximal end of the handle being connected to the base portion, and a distal end of the handle supporting a head portion of the joystick. The head portion of the joystick may include a front surface including a configurable face plate. The configurable face plate may include one of a pair of upshift and downshift buttons or a roller configured to perform one of discrete or continuously variable shifting, respectively, of a transmission of the machine. The handle may include a thumb rest area at the distal end of the handle transitioning into the head portion of the joystick.

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BLADE CONTROL ON A UTILITY VEHICLE
20230097563 · 2023-03-30 ·

In accordance with an example embodiment, a work tool control system for a work vehicle, the work tool system comprising at least two hydraulic cylinders, a work tool coupled, directly or indirectly, with the at least two hydraulic cylinders, the work tool configured to move material, a controller, wherein the controller is in communication with the at least two hydraulic cylinders, an operator interface, wherein the operator interface is in communication with the controller, wherein when the controller receives a first signal from the operator interface the controller sends a second signal to the at least two hydraulic cylinders, where the first signal is a vehicle reverse signal and the second signal is a work tool lift signal.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PRECISION CONTROL DURING GRADING OPERATIONS OF A WORK MACHINE
20230102419 · 2023-03-30 ·

A work machine and method for grading a ground surface may include a frame, a ground-engaging attachment, an attachment coupler coupling the ground-engaging attachment to the frame, an actuator enabling movement of the ground-engaging attachment, an adjustable linkage to adjust a position of the ground-engaging attachment relative to the frame, an adjustable linkage, a sensor, and a controller. The adjustable linkage adjusts a position of the ground-engaging attachment relative to the frame. The adjustable linkage comprises of a first portion and a second portion, an enclosure encircling the second portion wherein the enclosure creates an annular chamber between the enclosure and the second portion. A sensor is coupled to the annular chamber and measures a pressure in the chamber. A controller may be configured to monitor the sensor signal, and perform one or more actions based on the sensor signal.