Agricultural Vehicle Steering Angle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural vehicles with Ackermann steering face limitations in maximum steering angle due to rigid mechanical stops, leading to wasted steering potential and increased turning radius, which existing electromechanical and electrohydraulic systems fail to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
An agricultural vehicle with a swing axle and sensors to detect its position relative to the frame, actively limits the steering angle by superimposing manipulated variables from operator and actuator inputs, optimizing the steering angle based on the vehicle's position, allowing for enhanced steering capability without mechanical stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid mechanical stops are used to limit the maximum steering angle, then component damage is prevented, but the steering angle is wasted and the turning radius is unnecessarily increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid mechanical stops with an electromechanical steering system that uses electronic sensors and actuators to actively limit the steering angle. The control unit monitors the vehicle axle position and dynamically adjusts the steering angle through a second steering device, eliminating the need for fixed mechanical stops while maintaining component protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic steering angle limitation by continuously monitoring the vehicle axle position relative to the frame and adjusting the maximum permitted steering angle in real-time. The system adapts the steering limits based on the current suspension travel position, allowing full utilization of the available steering range without risking component damage.
2Reliability
If the maximum steering angle is set to prevent wheel contact with the vehicle body, then component damage is avoided, but the turning radius is increased and maneuverability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback control by using sensors to continuously detect the vehicle axle position and the current steering angle. The control unit processes this feedback information and dynamically adjusts the steering angle through the second steering device to maintain the wheels within safe operational limits while maximizing the turning radius and maneuverability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid mechanical stops are installed on the vehicle frame, then the steering angle is limited, but the steering system complexity increases and steering potential is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical steering system serves multiple functions: it provides steering assistance, actively limits the steering angle based on real-time position feedback, and prevents component damage. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate mechanical stops while adding adaptability to different driving conditions and vehicle configurations.
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
The agricultural vehicle (10) has a vehicle frame and a vehicle axle (12). The vehicle axle has an axle journal (32) fitted with a wheel (16). A unit (36) is provided for detecting a current steering angle, and another unit (38,40) is provided for detecting a current position of the vehicle axle relative to the vehicle frame. A control unit (52) is formed such that a limitation of the steering angle is obtained by controlling an actuator (50) depending on the current steering angle and the current position of the vehicle axle.