Land Vehicle Steering System With Adjustable Wheel Track
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steering systems for land vehicles are unable to adjust the inboard/outboard position and distance between steerable wheels, limiting their stability and maneuverability in various applications such as construction and agricultural vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A steering system with pivot arms and hydraulic mechanisms allows for independent movement of steerable wheels inboard and outboard, and adjustable distance between them, using hydraulic cylinders and suspension systems to enable precise positioning and steering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If steerable wheels are fixed relative to the vehicle frame, then the steering system structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot adjust wheel position for stability or maneuverability
Solution Approach 1:
The steering system employs movable pivot arms that can dynamically adjust their position relative to the vehicle frame through hydraulic actuators. This allows the steerable wheels to transition between fixed and adjustable positions, enabling the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through controlled movement rather than multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The steering system is divided into independent left and right steering assemblies, each with its own pivot arm and hydraulic mechanisms. This segmentation allows each side to be adjusted independently, providing flexibility in wheel positioning while keeping the overall system structure modular and manageable, rather than requiring a completely reconfigurable steering framework.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the distance between steerable wheels is increased, then vehicle stability is improved, but the steering mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The distance between steerable wheels is made dynamically adjustable through hydraulic actuators that move the pivot arms inboard or outboard. This allows the vehicle to increase wheel distance for enhanced stability when needed, while maintaining a relatively simple steering mechanism that can adapt to different distances rather than requiring multiple fixed-width steering configurations.
3Measurement precision
If hydraulic mechanisms are added for wheel position adjustment, then wheel positioning precision is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Hydraulic actuators are employed to achieve precise wheel positioning through fluid pressure control. The hydraulic mechanisms provide smooth, controlled movement of the pivot arms with high positioning accuracy, while the use of standard hydraulic components keeps the overall system complexity manageable compared to alternative precision positioning systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the stability and maneuverability of land vehicles by allowing adjustable wheel positions and distances, improving their performance in different operational environments.
Implementation Method 1
A first selectively extendable and retractable mechanism secured between the pivot arm and the vehicle... Preferably, the steering assembly selectively extendable and retractable mechanisms are hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
A second selectively extendable and retractable mechanism secured between the wheel end and the pivot arm... actuation of the second mechanism rotates the wheel end relative to the pivot arm for steering the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
An air spring is provided between the first control arm and the second control arm
Data Source
AI summary
A land vehicle steering system capable of selectively moving the left and right steerable wheels inboard and outboard of the vehicle, and selectively adjusting the distance between the left and right steerable wheels. The steering system includes left and right steering assemblies. Each assembly includes: a pivot arm pivotally secured to the vehicle about a first pivot axis; a first hydraulic cylinder secured between the pivot arm and the vehicle; a wheel end pivotally secured to the pivot arm about a steering axis; and, a second hydraulic cylinder secured between the wheel end and the pivot arm. Actuation of the first hydraulic cylinders rotates the pivot arms about their first pivot axes and moves the wheel ends inboard and outboard of the vehicle. Actuation of the second hydraulic cylinders rotates the wheel ends and steerable wheels thereon relative to their pivot arm for steering the vehicle.