Self-Propelling Machine Actuating Group Steering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single-axis self-propelling machines, such as motor mowers and cultivators, require operators to use their hands to steer by blocking wheels, limiting the ability to perform other commands and making the machines difficult to maneuver.
Innovation Solution
An actuating group that allows for steering and direction control through intuitive oscillating movements of handlebars, enabling the operator to change direction and speed without using their fingers, using a combination of oscillating axes and hinged arms to effectively control the machine's trajectory and velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handlebar is fixed solidly to the frame, then the machine structure is simple and stable, but the operator must use hands to block wheels for steering, making the machine difficult to maneuver and limiting the ability to actuate other commands
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating group is divided into multiple independent oscillating bodies (first body oscillating on first axis, second body oscillating on second axis) that can move independently. This segmentation allows complex steering and speed control functions to be achieved through simple, separate oscillating movements rather than requiring manual wheel blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The handlebar system transitions from a fixed connection to a dynamic multi-axis oscillating mechanism. The first body oscillates on a first oscillating axis while the second body oscillates on a second oscillating axis, enabling the operator to control both steering direction and speed through natural hand movements without fixed constraints.
2Ease of operation
If the operator uses hands to block wheels for steering, then the steering control is achieved, but the operator cannot simultaneously actuate other commands and the maneuvering becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating group automatically translates the operator's oscillating handlebar movements into the appropriate wheel blocking and command actuation actions. The system serves itself by converting simple steering intentions into coordinated mechanical actions through the oscillating bodies and hinged arms, eliminating the need for the operator to manually perform multiple separate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating bodies and hinged arms act as intermediaries between the operator's handlebar movements and the machine's control mechanisms. These intermediary components translate the operator's intuitive oscillating motions into the precise mechanical actions needed for steering and command actuation, enabling simultaneous control without direct manual intervention in each function.
3Device complexity
If a fixed handlebar is used, then the structure is simple, but steering requires levering actions that are complex and limit operator freedom
Solution Approach 1:
The handlebar structure evolves from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic multi-axis oscillating system. The first body oscillates on a first oscillating axis and the second body oscillates on a second oscillating axis, providing natural, intuitive steering motion that reduces operator effort while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of oscillating joints rather than complex mechanical linkages.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-propelling machine comprising a frame; a pair of actuators each provided with a respective hub coaxial to the other and able to support and actuate in rotation a respective wheel, each actuator comprising a control lever that is mobile with respect to the frame between at least a first operating position, in which the actuator actuates the respective wheel in a rotation direction, and at least a second operating position, in which the actuator actuates the respective wheel in the opposite rotation direction. The machine comprises an actuating group able to actuate the control levers of each actuator, the actuating group provided with a first body associated to the frame and mobile with respect thereto with a single first degree of freedom, and a second body associated to the first body and mobile with respect thereto with a single second degree of freedom and connected to the control levers, wherein the movement of the first body with respect to the frame involves movement of the control levers in different directions, one towards the first operating position and the other towards the second operating position, and the movement of the second body with respect to the first body involves movement in a same direction of the control levers, selectively towards the first or the second operating position.