Deere + Company

Alex R Vandegrift

Brett S Graham

Christopher J Meyer

Todd F Velde

John R Mahrenholz

Lance Robert Sherlock

Aaron R Kenkel

Craig Christofferson

Bryan Rausch

Mark D Anderson

Nicholas Rokusek

Kenneth Franck

Benjamin J Morrison

Nilesh T Kumbhar

Amy K Jones

Bryan D Sulzer

Christopher R Benson

Anthony K Kraft

Casey J Hart

Walter Henson, Ii

Amy C Carlson

Scott J Cassidy

John S Foltz

Megan E Marotz

An auto-benching grade control system and method are provided for work machines such as excavators. Movements of at least one implement relative to a machine frame are actuated based on user inputs via a first user interface tool. Manual/automatic control modes are selected based on user inputs via a second user interface tool. Responsive to further user input via at least one of the first and second user interface tools, a target elevation is automatically specified based on a current elevation of at least one implement component corresponding to the further user input. During the automatic control mode, movement of at least the implement is controlled based at least in part on a specified target mainfall and a specified target cross-slope for at least a portion of the terrain to be worked, and the specified target elevation.

System and method of automated setting of elevation reference for continuous grade control

A work vehicle comprising a frame supported by a ground engaging device. A boom assembly is coupled to the frame. An attachment coupler is coupled to the boom assembly. An electronic data processor is communicatively coupled to a boom actuator, an attachment coupler actuator, a boom sensor, an attachment coupler sensor, and an operator input device. A computer readable storage medium comprising machine readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive an operator input and for a tilt forward command, command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly to a frame contact position and then command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards a lower position. For a tilt rearward command, command the attachment coupler actuator to move the attachment coupler towards an upper position and then command the boom actuator to move the boom assembly towards a raised position.

Apparatus and method for controlling an attachment coupler for a work vehicle

In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick bias mechanism coupled to the joystick and exerting a centering force urging the joystick to return to the centered position when moved therefrom. The controller architecture is operable in a modified centering mode in which the controller architecture: (i) determines when the joystick begins return toward the centered position due to the centering force applied by the joystick bias mechanism; and (ii) when so determining, commands the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to modify a rate at which the joystick returns to the centered position by varying the MRF resistance force applied to the joystick.

Work vehicle magnetorheological fluid joystick systems operable in modified centering modes

In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a first joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing in at least one degree of freedom. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) detect when unintended joystick motion conditions occur during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when detecting unintended joystick motion conditions, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to increase the first joystick stiffness in a manner reducing susceptibility of the joystick device to unintended joystick motions.

Work vehicle magnetorheological fluid joystick systems reducing unintended joystick motions

In embodiments, a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system includes a joystick device. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing and a joystick, which is rotatable relative to the base housing and which is biased toward a joystick return position. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary an MRF resistance force impeding movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller configured to: (i) selectively enable an operator adjustment of the joystick return position by a work vehicle operator; and (ii) when enabling the operator adjustment of the joystick return position, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to maintain the MRF resistance force at a predetermined level until the operator adjustment of the joystick return position is terminated.

Work vehicle magnetorheological fluid joystick systems having adjustable joystick return positions

Embodiments of a work vehicle magnetorheological fluid (MRF) joystick system include a joystick device having a base housing, a joystick movably mounted to the base housing, and a joystick position sensor configured to monitor joystick movement. An MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to vary a joystick stiffness resisting movement of the joystick relative to the base housing, while a controller architecture is coupled to the joystick position sensor and to the MRF joystick resistance mechanism. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) selectively place the work vehicle MRF joystick system in a modified joystick stiffness mode during operation of the work vehicle; and (ii) when the work vehicle MRF joystick system is placed in the modified joystick stiffness mode, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to vary the joystick stiffness based, at least in part, on the movement of the joystick relative to the base housing.

Work vehicle magnetorheological fluid joystick systems operable in modified joystick stiffness modes

An attachment-configurable control system and method for a work machine, the work machine comprising a frame and a ground-engaging mechanism; a boom assembly coupled to the frame and moveable relative to the frame by a pair of first hydraulic cylinders, and an attachment coupler coupled to a distal section of the boom arms, the attachment coupler moveable relative to the frame by a pair of second hydraulic cylinders; an operator cab coupled to the frame, the operator cab comprising a joystick configured to move in at least a first direction, and at least a second direction wherein the second direction is transverse to the first direction; and a controller enabling an operator to command movement of a first attachment coupled to the boom assembly using a first movement command configuration a second attachment coupled to the boom assembly using a second movement command configuration.

Attachment-configurable system for a work machine

Transceiver cover

A work vehicle comprising a work vehicle control comprising a standard configuration and an updated configuration. A controller is configured to receive a geospatial positioning signal, a boom position signal, an attachment position signal, and an operator input. The controller is configured to reference a memory device and change the work vehicle control between the standard configuration and the updated configuration. The controller is configured to control an elevation of the attachment according to a grade command.

Attachment grade control for work vehicle

Growing community of inventors

Dubuque, IA, United States of America

Alex R Vandegrift