Magnetorheological fluid joystick systems reducing work vehicle mispositioning

US11499292B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Deere & Company · US

Inventors

• Todd F. Velde · Dubuque, US
• Madeline T. Oglesby · Asbury, US
• Lance R. Sherlock · Asbury, US
• Benjamin P. Koestler · Asbury, US
• Mark D. Anderson · Oswego, US
• Aaron R. Kenkel · East Dubuque, US
• Doug M. Lehmann · Smiths, US
• Craig Christofferson · Dubuque, US
• Kenneth Franck · Dubuque, US
• Christopher J. Meyer · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 1, 2020
• Grant date: Nov 15, 2022
• Expiry date: May 1, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05G2505/00
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

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.