Deere & Company

Christopher J Meyer

Alex R Vandegrift

Todd F Velde

Lance Robert Sherlock

Brett S Graham

Craig Christofferson

John R Mahrenholz

Mark D Anderson

Kenneth Franck

Aaron R Kenkel

Nicholas Rokusek

Bryan Rausch

Doug M Lehmann

Amy K Jones

Christopher R Benson

Anthony K Kraft

Madeline T Oglesby

Benjamin J Morrison

Walter Henson, Ii

Benjamin P Koestler

Megan E Marotz

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 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, an MRF joystick resistance mechanism, and a controller architecture. The joystick device includes, in turn, a base housing, a joystick, and a joystick position sensor. The MRF joystick resistance mechanism is controllable to selectively resist movement of the joystick relative to the base housing. The controller architecture is configured to: (i) when detecting operator rotation of the joystick in an operator input direction, determine whether continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction will misposition the work vehicle in a manner increasing at least one of work vehicle instability and a likelihood of work vehicle collision; and (ii) when determining that continued joystick rotation will misposition the work vehicle, command the MRF joystick resistance mechanism to generate an MRF resistance force deterring continued joystick rotation in the operator input direction.

Magnetorheological fluid joystick systems reducing work vehicle mispositioning

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

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

Christopher J Meyer